Recherche – Detailansicht
Ausgabe: | Oktober/2022 |
Spalte: | 961-962 |
Kategorie: | Dogmen- und Theologiegeschichte |
Autor/Hrsg.: | Anizor, Uche, Price, Robert B., and Hank Voss |
Titel/Untertitel: | Evangelical Theology. |
Verlag: | London u. a.: Bloomsbury T & T Clark 2021. 248 S. = Doing Theology. Kart. US$ 26,95. ISBN 9780567677129. |
Rezensent: | Joshua Kira |
Evangelical Theology by Anizor, Price, and Voss is an introductory systematic theology that demarcates the contours of its namesake. The authors recognize that since evangelicalism is strongly in the tradition of Reformed theology, its distinctiveness is not drawn from its innovation, so much as its peculiar »emphases« (2) of doctrines that have been passed down. The authors use the Lausanne Covenant to introduce their topics, which provides structure and allows for the discussion of the movement in light of the authors’ recognition that evangelicalism is globalizing (41–42). Evangelical Theology is somewhat diverse in its presentation, moving quickly from theological formulation, delineations of church history, and calls to action akin to preaching. Written to an undergraduate level, the book is a simple presentation of the beliefs and practices of evangelicalism.
After a short introduction that provides an abbreviated history of the evangelical movement, Evangelical Theology proceeds in three parts. The first part, titled »Foundations« has a chapter each on the Bible (13–38) and missions (39–67). The authors acknowledge that evangelicalism was born, historically, out of a recognition of the universal nature of the Great Commission, but it was founded, theologically, on a disposition towards the Bible as Christian Scripture. Evangelicals believe the Bible to be the »word of God« (13–21) in a more direct manner than other 20th century perspectives, which affects the fashion in which it is interpreted (21–31) and used (32–38). Thus, the authors title a section of chapter 2, »A Missionary God and a Missionary Bible« (42).
The second part, »Themes«, elucidates the soteriological uniqueness of evangelicalism, giving a chapter on atonement (71–94), conversion (95–120), justification (121–144), and sanctification (145–173). Chapter 3, on the atonement, explains and defends a penal substitutionary view against detractors, both historical and contemporary. In doing so, the authors make a significant statement in writing that »This doctrine is fundamentally a model about a mystery« (72). Consequently, they refrain from any claims that one can easily understand the divine rationale for Christ’s death, while not retreating from the view that New Testament depiction of atonement is drawn from legal terminology. Chapter 4, on conversion, is likely the most difficult chapter to follow in the book, as it appears that the authors equivocate on whether conversion is a process. Chapter 5, on justification, explains the evangelical resumption of a broadly Protestant view of justification. Of significance to the authors is how union with Christ (129–133) affects one’s reception of a foreign righteousness. Chapter 6, on sanctification, gives broad themes as to how Christian salvation affects the Christian life, with a strong emphasis on the Lutheran and Calvinistic pietism (163–165) and its mediation through the Puritans and Methodists.
The final part is titled »Developments«, though this is, perhaps, a misnomer. The two topics, chapter 7 (177–199) on the Holy Spirit and chapter 8 (201–220) on the Trinity, are issues that have had widespread discussion in evangelicalism, but neither has undergone extensive revision. The individuals that are discussed are broadly Chalcedonian and have provided clarification on nuances of pneumatology and theology proper, but no substantial advancements. The authors do draw attention to some of the prominent discussions in contemporary evangelicalism. Following this, the authors provide a conclusion, »Quo Vadis?«, which maps some areas that may be important for the coming decades of evangelical theology. In doing so, they attempt to »anchor« (227) these conversations in the three ideas that are interwoven throughout the book, which is the centrality of Scripture, the prominence of mission, and the personal nature of faith.
Ironically, the authors’ description of evangelical theology is the same as the most significant criticism of the work, which is the issue of emphasis. Evangelical Theology attempts the difficult task of characterizing a historical movement that has varied representation. In doing so, it is granted that difficult decisions must be made as to the material that is included. However, the book has an unusually heavy emphasis on Wesleyan and Pentecostal theology, to the exclusion of many others. There is nearly no discussion of Baptist understanding, nor of Anglicanism. Moreover, though Jonathan Edwards is given treatment on conversion, he is relatively underrepresented considering his influence as conceded by the authors. Furthermore, there is a propensity for making overstatements, such as the consequentiality of Phoebe Palmer to evangelical theology or in their criticisms of the movements lack of interaction with the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Also of note is the tendency of the book to be too fluid in its transition from discussing historical evangelicalism to the opin-ions of the authors, as can be seen in the discussion of baptism and conversion (114–120).
Though the book has some weaknesses, it also has at least three significant benefits. First, the book treads lightly in controversial areas, typically focusing on the commonality of evangelicalism and not getting bogged down in intramural arguments. Second, the authors have a proper sense of humility, especially in their willingness to move against the rationalist tendencies of late 19th century, which appear intermittently in the 20th. They have an appropriate place for mystery (72–73) and a realistic understanding of the limits of human capacities. Finally, the style of the book is very clear and constantly scriptural. This is significant in that the book mirrors the emphasis on the Bible that the authors recognized is the cornerstone of evangelical theology. While Evangelical Theology is, at times, uneven, it appears to be helpful if someone is looking for a general introduction to the topic.