The Reality of God and Historical Method: Apocalyptic Theology in Conversation with N. T. Wright (New Explorations in Theology)

Product DescriptionAfter a flurry of heated debates in the mid-twentieth century over the relationship between faith and history, the dust seems to have settled. The parties have long since dispersed into their separate camps. The positions are entrenched and loyalties are staked out. This first volume in the New Explorations in Theology is a deliberate attempt to kick up the dust again, but this time as a constructive development of what is now being called "apocalyptic theology." Samuel Adams argues that any historiography interested in contributing to theological knowledge must take into consideration, at a methodological level, the reality of God that has invaded history in Jesus Christ. He explores this idea in critical dialogue with the writings of New Testament historian and theologian N. T. Wright, whose work has significantly shaped the current conversation on this problem. The Reality of God and Historical Method is a fresh, bold and interdisciplinary exploration of the question: How is it possible to say that a particular historical person is the reconciliation of the world?Review"This book is a rare treat. New Testament scholars seldom have their basic underlying assumptions about truth, time and the nature of history subjected to careful scrutiny. Yet their assumptions about these notions profoundly shape everything they purport to describe in the name of 'history.' It is then a special opportunity to have Sam Adams's trained philosophical and theological mind probe the assumptions underlying the work of the most widely read New Testament scholar of our day, N. T. Wright. But the result is something rather more than mere learned description. In the hands of Adams's gentle but firm critique, we are led to a different interpretative place where those critical assumptions concerning truth, time and history are?at least arguably?aligned more accurately and fruitfully with the notion that ultimately informs all valid Christian scholarship: the disclosure of the nature of God in the person of Jesus Christ. Most New Testament scholars pay lip service to this central notion?to this truth above all truths?but do not really know what to do with it, and so tend to lapse back into shabby old historical habits with all their accompanying distortions and vulnerabilities. In graceful conversation with Wright, Adams shows both theologians and New Testament scholars exactly what to do with it." -- Douglas A. Campbell, Duke University"At the heart of N. T. Wright's massive and influential output there is a set of fundamental and contestable methodological claims about 'worldview,' critical realism and the relationship between theology and history. To date these claims have not been subjected to a thoroughgoing analysis and critique. Samuel Adams takes up that daunting and crucial task with great intelligence, maturity and grace in this timely, groundbreaking work on Wright's theological method. The result, however, goes beyond the engagement with Wright. In the end Adams makes his own constructive contribution to theology today by proposing an 'apocalyptic' understanding of the reality of God in history. Followers of Wright will be challenged by this book. Theologians will be reminded that the gospel is not a method, but the power of God in the word of the cross." -- Douglas Harink, The King's University, Edmonton, Canada"What does it mean for theologians and biblical scholars to take seriously the singular apocalypse of Jesus Christ? This question lies at the heart of Samuel Adams's important volume. His wise, generous and learned response moves apocalyptic theology forward in unsettling and significant ways." -- Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Baylor University"After a flurry of heated debates in the mid-twentieth century over the relationship between faith and history, the dust seems to have settled. This first volume in the New Explorations in Theology series is a deliberate attempt to kick up the dust again, but thi