If a vision of this sort becomes central to Christian theology as such, then there will be no further need
for a theology of nature.
At the same time, however, it is not helpful to imagine that we can find much of a
basis for a theology of revelation in these sources.
This provides a basis not
only for theology and communication, but for an understanding of Christian education.
Given the history of western philosophy, words have been thought to be not simply the most appropriate
language for theology, but the only language in which communication is possible.
It may be useful to conclude, then, by suggesting some
guidelines for theology as we move toward the next, inevitably global, century.
Eight in ten of the theology educators said that «to give meaning and purpose to life in a material universe» was the most significant
role for theology.
Plus, as with you, my
framework for theology is sufficiently unique that I often have to repeat the same points over and over.
Besides history and philosophy a third, and perhaps most essential, classic dialogue
partner for theology has been the interpretation of scripture.
Regardless, agree or not, The Body's Grace is considered required reading
for theology students taking up the subject of human sexuality.
The motive behind these swings may have been the altogether proper desire
for theology now, a response that came genuinely out of our own situation.
I wonder if some of those friendships are part of what has encouraged you to see the visual arts and poetry as
significant for theology.
Indeed, I still believe that the question of an adequate
paradigm for theology as a public form of discourse remains the most important item on the contemporary theological agenda.
In order to serve the poor in their liberation struggle, it is
necessary for theology to have included in its methodology the critical component of social analysis.
It is correlated with the conviction that there are just two
possibilities for theology, and that the alternative possibility, the one followed by almost everyone, is disastrous.
This is not to propose that the only
criterion for theology is its fit with the reigning understanding of reality.
But whether they do transform what goes on in the university, or do their necessary work in other settings, it is they that point the way
for theology in the next century.
As for theology, these years have been generally positive ones for the evangelicals.