Postmodern: Theology, Atonement, Eschatology, Scripture

Brian McLaren teaches on the transition from modern to postmodern thought and how it impacts our witness to the Gospel.

Defining Theology

• Traditional systematic theology definition
• Emerging definitions of theology

Theology as a Human Enterprise

• Theology as a creative human endeavor
• Role of models in theology

Prayer from Ephesians

• Reading and reflecting on a passage from Ephesians 3
• Emphasis on the mystery and depth of God's love

Theological Humor

• Reference to Thomas Oden's discourse on theological humor

New Definitions and Models

• The shift from traditional to emerging theological definitions
• The dynamic and creative nature of theology

Cultural Sensitivity in Theology

• Importance of contextualizing theology
• Examples of differing perspectives and metaphors

Inclusivity in Theological Discussions

• Importance of diverse voices in theological discourse
• Value of historical perspectives and different cultural inputs

Characteristics of Post-Systematic Theology

• Coherence, contextuality, conversational nature, and comprehensiveness

C.S. Lewis' Poem

• Reading and interpreting "Footnote to All Prayers"
• Discussion on the limitations of language in theology

Various Atonement Theories

• Overview of ransom, Christus Victor, penal substitution, moral influence, and other theories
• Discussion on the audience and purpose of atonement

Revisiting the Center of the Gospel

• Questioning if atonement is the center of the gospel
• Emphasis on the kingdom of God

Narrative vs. Static Theology

• Comparing Greek and Jewish concepts of perfection and goodness
• Emphasis on the dynamic and fertile nature of biblical narratives

Eschatological Realism

• Critique of modern evangelical eschatology
• Concept of hope within and beyond history

Understanding Scripture Beyond Foundationalism

• Historical context of foundationalism
• Challenges and alternatives to foundationalist views of Scripture

Narrative Trajectory in Scripture

• Addressing the issue of ethnic cleansing in the Bible
• Importance of understanding the narrative flow and context

Debating God's Attributes

• Discussion on omnipotence, omniscience, immutability, and impassibility
• Emphasizing a balanced view of God's attributes

New Trinitarianism and Perichoresis

• Relationship within the Trinity as a model
• Concept of perichoresis and its implications for understanding God

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.