Journal: Southeastern Theological Review
Volume: STR 14:2 (Fall 2023)
Article: Retrieval For The Sake Of Renewal: Timothy George’s Methodology
Author: Christopher R. Hanna

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Retrieval For The Sake Of Renewal: Timothy George’s Methodology

Christopher R. Hanna

Highlands College, Birmingham, AL

Abstract: This article explores the theology of retrieval of prominent historical theologian Timothy George, highlighting his emphasis on the importance of reclaiming the past for the present. George’s approach to historical theology is examined within his identity as a Christian, an evangelical, and a Baptist. He proposes a hierarchy of ecclesial identity, where his primary identity is as a Trinitarian Christian belonging to the whole company of the redeemed across time. George’s work involves understanding the Church’s oneness, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity. He advocates for an ecumenical approach to theology, understanding the Church’s universal nature, while also valuing denominational distinctives. He stresses the need for retrieval to counteract spiritual amnesia and to aid in the progressive holiness of the Church. George’s commitment to biblical interpretation within the broader historical context helps foster a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and contributes to the ongoing growth of the Church. His work provides a model for theologians to engage with the past, promoting unity, renewal, and a richer understanding of their ecclesial identity within the context of the Christian tradition.

Key Words: Baptist theology, Church, historical theology, retrieval, Timothy George

As a prominent historical theologian, Timothy George emphasized throughout his teaching and writing ministry the vital need to retrieve the past for the sake of the present.1 In the 1980s George began his church history course at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with this memorable statement: “My task is to convince you that there was someone between your grandmother and Jesus, and it matters.”2 He discovered early in his teaching career that his students needed help

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grounding their understanding of the faith in the history of the church. “I found that students knew little, if anything, about those pioneers of the past,” he reflected, and because of that, he said, “I wanted to encourage a program of réssourcement—not a return to ‘the good old days’ but an appropriation of the warranted wisdom and spiritual insight they can offer to the church today.”3 This article examines Timothy George’s theology of retrieval by examining his approach to historical theology as a convictional Baptist within the Great Tradition, and by doing so, it seeks ...