Pragmatic Theology: Negotiating the Intersections of an American Philosophy of Religion and Public Theology

by Victor Anderson

Pragmatic Theology argues for a vision of religious life that is derived from the tradition of American pragmatism (James, Dewey, Royce); empirical theology (Chicago School, D.C. Macintosh, H. Richard Niebuhr); and American philosophy of religion (Stone, Frankenberry, Corrington). The author argues that there is a divine reality in human experience that when encountered gives meaning and value to a person's need for cultural fulfillment and to his or her religious need for self-transcendence. The book commends the openness of nature, the world, and human experience to creative transformation and growth. It supports the increase of human capacities to create morally livable and fulfilling communities, the enhancement of the free play of interpretation, and a social order where democratic utopian expectations are envisioned and actualized.

Genres: Theology

172 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent work by Dr. Victor Anderson, professor of ethics and society at Oberlin Theological School at Vanderbilt University. Published in 1998. Its subtitle is Negotiating the Intersection of An American Philosophy of Religion and Public Theology. My interests are in both parts of the books focus points: the philosophy of American Pragmatism and 20th century theology. Will add more to this review later.