America's Next Top Theologian?

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 5:05 pm by Guest Contributor

America's Next Top Theologian? 2015-03-13T17:05:22-05:00 Guest Contributor

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

So, if theologians squared off on a reality show, would a brawl endue, like on America’s Next Top Model? Probably not. But Jonathan L. Walton (who, I must say, was very impressive at Claremont last week) takes up the challenges laid before the Transforming Theology group by me and Jack Fitzmier.

Jonathan oversimplifies my statements to the group, but he does get the sentiment right. In the final session, I told the group that they had been outflanked by conservative theologians, and, as a result, have been defined by them. Back in the day of William Jennings Bryan, liberalism was a populist message, but now liberals have become the elites, and conservatives have grabbed the populist mantle.

Further, Jonathan already gets it. His presentation was more of a sermon than a lecture, and the fact that he blogs at the excellent Religion Dispatches (I demand that you all subscribe now!), shows that he is as interested in the e-world as the academy. Even his scholarship focuses on the intersection of church, theology, and television.

In any event, his post wrestles with the challenge before progressive theologians. If there is going to be a recovery, Jonathan will likely lead the charge. Money Quote:

This is why any talk about rekindling theological imagination must

distinguish the difference between being popular and making an
impact. Let’s not forget that the progressive, prophetic tradition has
always made an impact yet has never been popular. Prophets work from
the margins. And their voice, when at its best, is rejected by the
mainstream. This is why progressive theologians should not be pulled
into a popularity contest. Nor should we strive to create a reality
show, “America’s Next Top Theologian.” But we must keep our vocation
ever before us; which may or may not involve tenure and institutional
resources.

church

theology

Previous Post

March 17, 2009

When Brad Cecil Talks, I Listen (especially when he talks about Mark Driscoll)

Next Post

March 19, 2009 Liberal, Conservative, Evangelical, Mainline, Progressive

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category bible blogging books christianity in america church church history dissertation divorce Dog Training education emergent church essay family funny glbt jopa productions ministry minnesota movies music parenting philosophy politics Prayer publishing Questions That Haunt random same sex marriage speaking spirituality Teaching technology television theology Travels Uncategorized writing youth ministry

Select a Month January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 June 2006 May 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 June 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 August 2004 February 2004 January 2004

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What did the people do when Ezra read from the Book of the Law?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Ran away Destroyed idols Laughed Wept and repented