Against Liberal Theology, Roger E. Olson
Against Liberal Theology, Roger E. Olson
List: $22.99 | Sale: $16.09
Club: $11.49

Against Liberal Theology
Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity

Author: Roger E. Olson

Narrator: James Donaldson

Unabridged: 5 hr

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: 06/07/2022


Synopsis

Liberal Christian theology is a big topic in today's churches and seminaries. But what does liberal theology really mean and why is it so controversial? What does it actually believe about truth, Scripture, and Jesus Christ? And where does it lead?The term "liberal theology" is often misinterpreted, confused with a set of loose ideologies within the Christian faith and sometimes rallied behind by genuine Christians who are simply concerned about modern social justice issues. It's also been wrongly leveled against churches and even entire denominations that don't adhere to the tradition of liberal theology.Against Liberal Theology, is written in a direct and conversational tone that makes sense of this theological movement by:Defining liberal theology and explaining its beliefs about central Christian doctrines.Giving its history and progression—beginning with 18th century German theologian Friedrich Schleiermacher and leading up to today.Making distinctions between liberal theology and simple moderate or progressive Christian thought, much of which is still biblically committed and doctrinally orthodox.Discussing the arguments of specific liberal theologians and what their words mean in regard to everyday Christian living and faith.Sincere and to the point, professor and theologian Roger E. Olson is not interested in grinding axes. He openly admits to frustration with fundamentalist Christianity and explains why. But he warns that true liberal theology—more concerned with making Christianity palatable to the modern mind than it is committed to biblical integrity—isn't the right alternative to the cultic tendencies of fundamentalism and has little in common with classical, biblical Christianity.Against Liberal Theology is perfect for Christians on any side of a cultural debate—for those who consider themselves progressive or conservative or something in between.It's always unpopular to be against anything. But in order for Christianity to be anything, it has to stand against some things. If Christianity is compatible with anything and everything, it is nothing.

About Roger E. Olson

Roger E. Olson (PhD, Rice University) is emeritus professor of theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University. He is the author of many books, including Questions to All Your Answers: The Journey from Folk Religion to Examined Faith; Reformed and Always Reforming: The Postconservative Approach to Evangelical Theology; and How to Be Evangelical without Being Conservative.


Reviews

Goodreads review by George P. on June 16, 2022

Deconstruction is all the rage in contemporary Christian discourse. It refers to people reevaluating the faith commitments with which they have been raised. Some deconvert from Christianity entirely, but most reorient their faith toward theological liberalism, often out of concern for social justice......more

Goodreads review by Avery on July 24, 2024

I thought this was a pretty good overview of liberal theology (not to be confused with orthodox theology from a politically liberal person). He was more fair and generous than I expected from the title. Honestly the last chapter was insightful into the main line church I am currently apart of.......more

Goodreads review by John on July 24, 2022

I think what makes me most uncomfortable about this book is that Olson seems to be supporting an absolute allegiance to an entire package of beliefs (right or wrong) that has evolved due to a process of random mutation and natural selection into an entirely different species. It seems he must assume......more

Goodreads review by Bill on June 15, 2022

Disappointing I was disappointed with this book because I have read much better by Olson over the years. On the whole, Olson's conclusions are good, but I am not sure who his audience is. Each chapter is basically a litany of what 6 or 7 different liberal theologians thought about various doctrinal......more

Goodreads review by Joel on October 27, 2022

A clear and compelling case against a very specific type of theology in American Protestantism. I wish he engaged just a bit with a broader stream, but it's still a worthwhile and provocative read. See my video review here: [URL not allowed]......more