Neglected Voices in Theology -- By: Paul R. House

Journal: Southern Baptist Journal of Theology
Volume: SBJT 03:1 (Spring 1999)
Article: Neglected Voices in Theology
Author: Paul R. House


Neglected Voices in Theology

Paul R. House

Paul R. House is Rogers Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author, editor, or co-editor of eight volumes and several scholarly articles. His most recent publication is Old Testament Theology (InterVarsity Press, 1998). House’s tenure as editor of The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology ends with this issue.

Introduction

Throughout Christian history there have been enduring voices that have never been stilled nor neglected. Individuals such as Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Arminius, and Wesley are heard and heeded generation after generation. On the other hand, some theological voices are treasured for a time, only to decrease in influence as time passes. Still others, such as Jonathan Edwards, Søren Kierkegaard, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, have been reclaimed after their deaths by theologians who found their ideas compelling and of continuing importance. Depending on one’s point of view, certain reclaimed voices may or may not need to be heard, but the value of reclaiming voices can hardly be disputed. The value lies not only in regaining truths with which we agree, but also in learning to hear forgotten voices that have had pernicious influence on theology.

This issue of The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology focuses upon three neglected theological voices, those of Friedrich Schleiermacher, Crawford Howell Toy, and Adolf Schlatter. We do not highlight these individuals because all of them consider themselves to be evangelicals. Far from it, in fact. Rather, Schleiermacher and Toy are chosen because they are persons who have exerted influence that we neglect to our own theological peril. Schlatter, however, was an individual who stood for the truth in difficult circumstances. We need to pay attention to him because his neglected writings will enrich evangelical theology.

Thus, the goal of this issue of SBJT is to warn and encourage. It warns that Schleiermacher and Toy still exert quiet influence that ought to be understood and addressed. It encourages readers to learn more about Schlatter and the influences mentioned in the Forum section of the journal. Perhaps the following brief introductions to these three figures will explain why they deserve closer scrutiny.

Friedrich Schleiermacher

Schleiermacher (1768–1834) was a pastor, writer, and academic theologian who stressed the importance of feeling in Christianity. Having rejected an orthodox view of scripture during university days, he sought ways to cling to Christianity. Partly based on his reading of Immanuel Kant, Schleiermacher concluded that religion consists chiefly of intuition and feelings that ...

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