David Congdon + Travis McMaken: Dialectical Theology
Apr 10, 2019
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Join David Congdon, a dialectical theology scholar, and Travis McMaken, a theologian passionate about justice, as they dive deep into the nuances of dialectical theology. They humorously recount the day David convinced Travis that bodily resurrection wasn't necessary. The duo explores the meaning of 'event' in theology, critiques analytical theology, and reflects on the kenosis of patriarchy. With a candid look at their academic friendship, they navigate how personal struggles shape theological insights while emphasizing dialogue and existential encounters.
Dialectical theology invites believers to embrace uncertainties and paradoxes in their faith, challenging traditional doctrines for deeper truths.
The concept of 'event' in dialectical theology signifies transformative revelations that compel individuals to reassess their understanding of God.
There is a necessary integration of existential experiences with academic theology to ensure authentic connections between church life and scholarly discourse.
Deep dives
Exploring Dialectical Theology
Dialectical theology focuses on the dynamics between conflicting ideas within Christian faith traditions. It emphasizes the importance of paradox and contradiction in understanding truth, arguing that faith must grapple with the complexities of existence. The conversation highlights how this approach offers a different lens on traditional doctrines, suggesting that genuine engagement with theology requires recognizing the richness of conflicting truths rather than striving for simple resolutions. This perspective invites believers to embrace uncertainties and make sense of their faith within the context of life's complexities.
Introducing High-Quality Texts
To delve into dialectical theology, several influential texts are recommended, including works by theologians like Karl Barth and Rudolf Bultmann. Introductions to the subject can also be found in Ronald Gregor Smith's 'Secular Christianity' and Bultmann's 'What is Theology?'. These readings serve not only as academic resources but as invitations to explore the existential dimensions of faith. By engaging with these texts, readers can better appreciate the theological discussions surrounding modern existential concerns.
The Nature of the Event in Theology
The concept of 'event' serves as a crucial touchstone for dialectical theology, representing transformative moments of revelation that shape the believer's encounter with the divine. This idea suggests that theological truths emerge from encounters that challenge existing beliefs and structures, prompting individuals to reassess their understanding of faith. By framing theology in terms of these interactive events, believers can identify grace and revelation in unexpected places, expanding their comprehension of faith communities. Distinguishing between historical and existential dimensions of the event helps illustrate that true engagement often occurs outside traditional frameworks.
Faith Without Guarantees
A central theme within dialectical theology is the understanding of faith as existing without guaranteed outcomes or certainties. This perspective encourages believers to embrace their insecurities and doubts, asserting that such an approach is no less legitimate than traditional faith claims rooted in certainty. By reframing faith in this way, believers can connect with their spiritual experiences more authentically, allowing them to express vulnerability in their relationship with the divine. This shift fosters a deeper understanding of what it means to live faithfully amidst uncertainty.
The Intersection of Academia and Faith
The conversation touches on the disconnect often experienced between academic theology and practical faith practice, especially in institutions like AAR (American Academy of Religion). The scholars emphasize the need for intellectual discourse to translate meaningfully into church life, as many practitioners feel alienated by overly theoretical discussions. They argue for a theology that integrates existential experiences while remaining grounded in history and tradition. This perspective invites a more accessible conversation about faith that bridges the gap between church and academia, focusing on genuine encounters with the divine.
The dynamic duo of dialectical theology - David Congdon & Travis McMaken - are on the podcast. These two scholars, friends, and theological provocateurs are here to bring you some dialectical theology. This conversation was recorded in their hotel room at the American Academy of Religion. Their room may or may not have had a bunch of crystals surrounding a giant collection of analytic theology texts. Travis was on the podcast in the past talking about Why God loves Justiceand Why Go Barthian?. David joined the podcast to talk Bultmann’s Mission of Demythologizing. If you are inspired you should go join the Society for Dialectical Theology In this podcast we discuss.... - the day David convinced Travis the bodily resurrection wasn't necessary - dialectical theology's relationship to theological tradition - what does the term "event" mean for DT? - humans are messed up and are not the solution of our problem - the kenosis of the patriarchy - theology for the religiously unaffiliated - sadly Travis has no inner-life - how Badiou should relate to Theology... a theology of the trace - what makes an event christian - the contrast between dialectical theology and salvation history - tripp gets upset about theology without existential register - David is not happy about St. Andrews, analytical theology, or NT Wright's historical confidence - analytical investigations of Kierkegaard aren't cool - doing historical investigations doesn't lead to the existential encounter of faith - the need to embrace the secularity of faith Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community.