Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 58:3 (Sep 2015)
Article: Is There A Demon In This Structure? Lesslie Newbigin And Albert Wolters On Creation, “Powers,” And Cultural Engagement
Author: Christopher J. Pappalardo

---

JETS 58:3 (September 2015) p. 599

Is There A Demon In This Structure?
Lesslie Newbigin And Albert Wolters On Creation, “Powers,” And Cultural Engagement

Christopher J. Pappalardo*

* Christopher Pappalardo is a Ph.D. candidate at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 120 S. Wingate St., Wake Forest, NC 27587.

I. Introduction

The gospel is public truth. Such is the affirmation made by two independent streams of theological thought—that of Lesslie Newbigin and that of the Kuyperian tradition. It may be taken as a sad reflection on the state of contemporary Christian theology that affirming the public nature of the gospel is considered distinctive. Yet we may also be thankful that the point is being compellingly promoted, and promoted from different theological backgrounds.

In June 1996, twenty-five scholars from the Kuyperian tradition met for four days with Newbigin in Leeds, England to present papers for discussion. This rare opportunity highlighted both the similarities and distinctions between the two, particularly regarding their conception of Christian public action. One major distinction arose over the course of the colloquium, typified by the interaction between Newbigin and Al Wolters. Wolters noted how Newbigin utilized the Pauline idea of “principalities and powers” as a theological lens through which to view Christian public mission, while the Kuyperian tradition found the notion of “creational norms” more relevant. For those who wish to engage the structures of human society with the gospel, this disagreement could mark the beginning of a fruitful discussion—though it has yet to gain the prominence it deserves. My purpose here is to offer the next step in this discussion by answering and addressing Wolters’s critiques. By first analyzing Newbigin’s thoughts regarding the “principalities and powers,” then analyzing Wolters’s critique of those thoughts, and finally suggesting several adjudications between the two men, I hope to commend Newbigin as a worthy complement to the Kuyperian tradition.

II. Lesslie Newbigin And The “Powers”

Does the message of the gospel find its only application in the hearts of individual people? According to Newbigin, many in Western society think so: “The gospel is about changing people; it is addressed to the individual conscience, not to societies and institutions. Societies and institutions will only be changed when people are changed.”1 But Newbigin finds this individual application reductionist. The gospel is not merely a means to personal holiness, but is a radical claim that God

JETS 58:3 (September 2015) p. 600

has acted finally and decisively toward huma...

visitor : : uid: ()