An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology

by Thomas H. McCall

In recent decades a new movement has arisen, bringing the conceptual tools of analytic philosophy to bear on theological reflection. Called analytic theology, it seeks to bring a clarity of thought and a disciplined use of logic to the work of constructive Christian theology. In this introduction to analytic theology for specialists and nonspecialists alike, Thomas McCall lays out what it is and what it isn't. The goal of this growing and energetic field is not the removal of all mystery in theology. At the same time, it insists that mystery must not be confused with logical incoherence. McCall explains the connections of analytic theology to Scripture, Christian tradition and culture, using case studies to illuminate his discussion. Beyond mere description, McCall calls the discipline to a deeper engagement with the traditional resources of the theological task.

Genres: Theology, Philosophy, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 2015

About the author

Dr. McCall is Professor of Theology and Scholar-in-Residence at Asbury University. Prior to this, he served for sixteen years as Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, where he was also the Director of the Carl F. H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding. During this same time, he held an appointment as Professorial Fellow in Exegetical and Analytic Theology at the University of St. Andrews.

Dr. McCall is ordained in the Wesleyan Church and has pastored churches in southwestern Michigan and southcentral Alaska.

Reviews

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite it's relatively simple-sounding and generic title, this book is unique in offering both a model for analytic theology as well as a brief crash course in certain debates. There are a handful of books (Richard Muller's Dictionary is one) that could replace a seminary class. This is one of them.

McCall begins by dispelling myths about analytic theology (hereafter AT). AT doesn't *necessarily* entail univocal language, substance metaphysics or naivety about church history (though that probably is true about analytic philosophy--JBA).

The true gold-mine of the book is McCall's "Case Studies" dealing with metaphysics, compatibilism, and evolution. Particularly, one gets a refreshing survey of what it means for something to have an essence (kind-essence, Individual essence, common properties, merely human, fully human) and how this pays significant dividends for Christology.

He gives a wonderful rebuttal to theistic evolutionism simply by showing how sloppy their language is. Thus, the whole point of analytic theology.

My only criticism of the book is the lack of survey on how to get started in AT (e.g., which texts to read first).

[Vagabond of Letters, DLitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/10

[Brian Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the last few decades, analytic philosophers have used the tools of their discipline to analyze Christian theology, often to see if certain doctrines are logically coherent. Subsequently, there has been a burgeoning field of Christian theology known as "analytic theology." Here, McCall gives an introduction to this discipline (or interdisciplinary field of study). He explains that analytic theology is not opposed to biblical exegesis or historical theology. It is not to be confused with natural theology. Rather, analytic theology is simply using the tools of analytic philosophy to explain and clarify doctrine.

Within the book, McCall offers three test cases for analytic theology. One, he examines what is known as compatibilism, particularly with respect to the problem of evil. Two, he explores Christology, particularly the doctrine that Jesus is one person with two natures, one divine and one human. Three, he takes a look at the concept of original sin and the person of Adam in light of evolutionary theory. His purpose is not to provide definitive answers regarding these issues. Rather, he attempts to show how analytic theology can provide new insights into heavily debated doctrines.

I think McCall doesn't give a fair assessment of compatibilism. I'm not sure why he seems to accept the neo-Darwinian theory of evolution without questioning whether that theory is adequately supported by scientific evidence. So, I don't agree with all his thoughts along the way, or how he might approach each issue. But with that being said, I applaud him for writing clearly and irenically. He has done a service to Christian theology by presenting a winsome invitation to this promising field of study.

[Craig Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever read the works of authors like Alvin Plantinga, Nicholas Wolterstoff, Oliver Crisp, Paul Helm or Richard Swinburne then you have most likely read a work of analytical philosophy or analytical theology. While analytic philosophy has had a long history of use, analytic theology is rather new to the scene.

Analytic theology is a budding field that is making its mark within the broader theological world. But if, like me, you are not as familiar with analytical theology as you would like to be then Thomas H. McCall’s new book An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology (IVP, 2016) is just for you. McCall is an analytic theologian himself who teaches biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. His two previous works of analytic theology are Which Trinity? Whose Monotheism? and Forsaken: The Trinity and the Cross, and Why It Matters.

What is Analytical Theology…

While there are more complex explanations of analytical theology, in short, it “signifies the commitment to employ the conceptual tools of analytic philosophy where those tools might be helpful in the work of constructive Christian theology.” (16) This naturally begs the question as to what analytic philosophy is. While there is no final consensus, there is general agreement that it includes things like conceptual precision (Smith), logical rigour and clarity (Crisp), and a style and ambition that is similar to that of analytical philosophy (Rae). (17-18)

Analytical Christian theology requires its practitioners to know not only the relevant areas of philosophy but further, and more particular to its task, the Christian Scriptures, historical theology, posses an ability to engage culture with its ideas, and “seek to articulate what we may know of God as God has revealed himself to us.” (22) As such, analytical theology is serious about the task of theology. While some chide its existence because “they worry that analytic theologians bypass and effectively ignore God’s own revelation as it occurs ultimately in the incarnation of the Holy Son and reliably in the Bible as Holy Scripture,” it actually places a high priority on the Christian Scriptures as its foundational source of authority and orients itself towards a focus on Jesus Christ.

So Christian analytic theology is the application of analytic philosophy to the task of Christian theology. It is not an enemy of theology but rather a helpful friend. But how, why, and what does it matter to theology if we apply the principles of analytic philosophy to it?

… And Why Does It Matter?

While most, yea, even the vast majority of Christians will never engage in analytic theology, it does have a place within the church (both the academy and the local church) as a means to benefiting the average Christian. What one will realize time and time again while reading this book is that analytic theology is a work of systematic theology while utilizing the more rigorous tools of analytic philosophy. Your average systematic theology textbook, while dipping into philosophy, historical theology, and other fields to inform it, is not engaging in analytical theology. The analytical aspect takes the task of theology to the next level so to speak. “Analytic theology, as a kind of systematic theology, tends especially to be concerned with a focus on logical coherence.” (57) This is not to say that systematic theologians are not concerned with logical coherence but it is to say that analytic theology more directly addresses the issue and works it out more in its practice.

While most Christians, even some theologians, may turn a blind eye to this field of work, analytic theology offers the Christian church a service in the work of theology. For instance, McCall tackles several areas of theology to which he applies analytic theology as a means of showing its relevance and use. One such area of study to which McCall applies analytical theology to is historical theology. This is commonly called retrieval theology or constructive analytic theology. “This work actively evaluates various theological proposals from the tradition, and does so critically as it tries to mine the riches of the tradition for theological materials that will be useful in constructive work.” (85) So it goes beyond the traditional practice of “repetition and description” as characterizes historical theology (90), and seeks to further develop a specific theological issue from an historical perspective in a more contemporary context. It seeks to carry the work of the past into the present with the idea of further theological development and application.

Other areas McCall applies the work of analytical theology to are kenosis theology within Christology, physicalist theology in Christology, and the historical Adam in relation to evolution and creation. In respect to the third issue, McCall shows how analytic theology helps one to wade through the various differences in the use of the term evolution. One definition does not fit all when it comes to the use of the term as can be seen in the six different uses of the term McCall describes: old earth, simple to complex life, descent with modification, common ancestry, naturalistic mechanism, and naturalist origins (136-37). In evaluating Peter Enns’ book The Evolution of Adam, McCall points out that he uses the definition of at least five of those listed above in the conclusion to his book but without proper distinction. This is confusing at best. The point to see here is that the way in which McCall goes about examining the various references to evolution in Enns’ work is an exercise in analytic theology. He is applying rigorous, logical, precise, and clear argumentation is his examination of Enns’ work in order to bring more clarity to the issue.

To What End is Analytic Christian Theology?

Analytic Christian theology would be distinct from analytic philosophy (philosophy of religion), or merely analytic theology, in that it is intentionally practiced for the glory of God and the service of the church. Analytic theologians are not rogue theologians seeking to blaze their own trail of tradition or fame. McCall suggests that “it should be grounded in Holy Scripture, informed by the Christian tradition and attentive to the potential and pressing challenges faced by God’s people in God’s world.” (161) It is to have a Trinitarian focus in its product and its practitioners are to be marked with the same Christian character to which all Christians are called to in their life and work (166-70).

Conclusion

An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology accomplishes its task of introducing and orienting its readers to the task of analytic Christian theology. Far from a merely academic endeavor, analytic Christian theology enjoys the role of applying the rigors of analytic philosophy to systematic theology and the like to produce a more robust, coherent, logical, and ultimately God glorifying theology.

McCall has pulled the curtain back and invited us into a field to which all theologians ought to aspire to practice. If truth matters, and it does, then we ought to strive to be more and more truthful about how we present the truth of God. Analytical theology will help Christian theologians do that. Not only for theologians, I believe that the basic ideas and goals driving analytic Christian theology ought to characterize any serious Christian or ministry leader who wants to do theology for the glory of God. I highly recommend this book for Christians who are serious about thinking, doing, and writing good theology.

I received this book for free from the IVP for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Chandler Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This is an invitation to analytic theology. I have suggested that theologians should be able and willing to do analytic theology. They should, in other words, do theology that is able and willing to employ the skills and tools of the analytic tradition. I have also urged analytic theologians to do theology. Analytic theology—as theology— should be (to borrow John Webster's phrase) ‘theological theology.’ It should be grounded in Holy Scripture, informed by the Christian tradition and attentive to the potential and pressing challenges faced by God's people in God's world. But there is more—analytic theology should be oriented toward its proper end, and analytic theologians should be attentive to the proper approach and posture of theology.”

This is another top of the list read for this year! I have grown deeply interested in the methods and applications of analytic theology since hearing about it from interviews with Oliver Crisp. This book was the best introduction or “invitation” that I could come across! McCall makes me want to do analytic theology. He shows the all-encompassing nature of this task as a discipline that requires competence in biblical studies, language, church history, and philosophy. His discussion on the benefits of analytic theology for the discipline of historical theology was a particular highlight. The case studies throughout the book were also tremendously helpful, and show the rigor and thoroughness that go into analytic theological investigation. McCall applies the tools of analytic theology to the case studies of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, the metaphysics of Christology and relations between the two natures of Christ, as well as the debates that rage over creation and evolution. I was simply amazed at McCall’s sensitivity to all the philosophical issues and various components involved in theological reflection. Doing analytic theology isn’t easy, but it is a necessity for the type of thinking that speaks truly of God. Also, each chapter starts off with a quote from Karl Barth, so that’s a cherry on top!

[Steve Irby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished "An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology," by Tom McCall.

So what is analytic theology? Glad you asked; I also asked: [stiff drink, clears throat] the intersection of the philosophy of religions and systematic theology. It is theology that is attuned and committed to the goals and ambitions of analytic philosophy: a commitment to truth wherever it may be found, clarity of expression, and rigor of argumentation. It is theology done by theologians who are well grounded.

Quick, high level overview:

McCall has four chapters. The first is "Analytic theology and the Christian Scripture" where he has a test case that deals with compatiblism in dialogue with D.A. Carson. The second is "Analytic theology and the History of Doctrine" where McCall has a test case of the incarnation which he views through modern kenotic theory and then a physicalists Christology. I need more formal logic for this. This exposed a weakness I have. Chapter three is "Analytic theology for the church of the world." Therein he deals with the classical doctrine of original sin and the historical Adam and Eve. Finally "Analytic theology to the Glory of God ties everything together.

I wish I wouldn't have dropped out of philosophy in 2001. I wish I would have followed that by logic and then taken logic again when I failed it. If you are looking for a book on analytic theology this is your intro.

#AnalyticTheology #AnalyticChristianTheology #ThomasHMcCall #ThomasMcCall

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is both an introduction and an invitation to analytic theology. The first part of the book explains what analytic theology is; essentially, it is the intersection of philosophy and theology, or the purposeful use of philosophical tools in doing theology. Much of the rest of the book goes over general principles of analytic theology, with several well laid out examples of analytic theology in action, including discussions on compatibilism, creationism, and Christology.
McCall is writing generally to those in those two fields, so for those of us on the outside, the book is interesting but not nearly as much of a call to action. Still, it's a very interesting read if you enjoy either theology or philosophy.

[Connor Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, engaging read this one is. The author starts out with a brief overview of what analytic theology is, what it isn’t and then proceeds to dive into many different theological topics. He unpacks opposing sides to each topic then analyzes them critically and shows how useful and helpful analytic theology can be when done well. I learned so much in reading this and have become a huge fan of Dr. McCall in the process. I would recommend to anyone, Christian or not, to pick this book up and give it a whirl.

[Faith Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read but definitely not what I had in mind. It is a very technical book surveying the purposes and correct usage of analytic theology. While it was interesting to hear of the reasons why this is a developing field, I wish I was broken down about 2 or 3 levels deeper. From the cover it seemed as if it would be more approachable and more of an entry level - however the language was very academic and distanced itself from being approachable to the “average theologian”.

[JJ Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really helpful little book. Analytic theology doesn’t have a great reputation among theologians, but I think McCall does a great job of clarifying what analytic theology both is and isn’t, and showcasing some of the ways in which it can be helpful. I think it’s a great introduction to the topic, and even if I’m not fully invested in the discipline, I can definitely see some things that I can learn from it.

[Ryan Scarlette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for the layman. For colleagues of the author.

[Alex]

Read most of it. Skimmed through the various case examples in each chapter based on personal interest.

[John Kight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas H. McCall is Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and the Director of the Carl F. H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding. McCall has a MA in Theology from Wesley Biblical Seminary, and received a PhD in Systematic Theology from Calvin Theological Seminary. McCall is the author of a number of important books related to the disciplines of theology and philosophy, including, Which Trinity? Whose Monotheism? Philosophical and Systematic Theologians on the Metaphysics of Trinitarian Theology (Eerdmans, 2010), Jacob Arminius: Theologian of Grace (with Keith D. Stanglin; Oxford, 2012), Forsaken: The Trinity and the Cross, and Why It Matters (InterVarsity Press, 2012), and most recently, An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology (InterVarsity Press, 2015).

An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology is a well-timed introduction to a growing and engaging movement within contemporary theological circles. At the expense of providing an oversimplified definition of a budding and variegated discipline, analytic theology is, in many ways, simply the intersection between theology and analytic philosophy. As McCall explains, “analytic theology signifies a commitment to employ the conceptual tools of analytic philosophy where those tools might be helpful in the work of constructive Christian theology” (p. 16). The book opens with an appropriate question for most readers: What Is Analytic Theology? McCall positions the question in context and brings clarity where clarity is needed. As the book unfolds, McCall appears to be intentionally sensitive to the reluctance of some to receive the theological approach offered by analytic theology, and thus, builds a sturdy framework for embracing such as helpful and complementary to other traditional theological approaches.

I have to admit, when I first receive this book from the publisher, I found myself scratching my head asking, “what is analytic theology?” In other words, An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology was quite literally an invitation to analytic Christian theology. I had no prior exposure to the discipline or approach. With that said, I found McCall’s treatment of the subject to be a well-written and appropriately curated introduction. Moreover, the sensitivity to the reader that McCall exhibits, specifically in relation to grounding analytic theology in Scripture and Christian tradition, helpfully guides the reader to and immediate and practical benefit. As McCall rightly concludes, “analytic theology . . . needs to be theology; it needs to be grounded in Scripture, informed by the Christian tradition and alert to its ecclesial and cultural contexts” (p. 178). An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology was not only a helpful and inviting introduction to an unknown field of study, McCall was judicious and charitable in the process.

It’s not often that one is able to enter into a complex discussion for the first time and leave with a level of competency, understanding of purpose, and vision. It takes a gifted communicator with a particular set of interests to make this happen. Thomas H. McCall is one of those communicators. An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology is a well-equipped introductory textbook firmly grounded and intentionally positioned in all the right places. McCall has provided the Church and academy a theological treasure that is certain to influence many theologically minded and philosophically sensitive thinkers. If you have been looking for a point of entry onto the growing intellectual highway known as analytic theology, then you should look no further. This volume comes highly recommended.

I received a review copy of these books in exchange for and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Derrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and succinct defense of the usefulness of analytic theology, with a few case-studies thrown in. At times it feels like McCall is merely stating the obvious, but there are many decriers of analytic theology and so receiving a defense in print is sorely needed. Analytic theology is more of a "mode" or "genre" of discourse, says McCall. It does not displace piety (and itself inculcates a form of rigorous faith); it is not "natural theology" (and in fact McCall makes it very clear that something like "Barthian Analytic Theology" can not only exist, but flourish); it is not "onto-theology" or "perfect being theology" (necessarily); it does not rely on the assumption of univocal language.

Perhaps most importantly for my own interests McCall does well to point out at length (83-123) that one of the more prevalent criticism of Analytic theology--that it operates in a decontextualizing and ahistorical mode, is not necessary to it. Here he is cautious: he affirms that it can and does happen, perhaps even too frequently. Nonetheless it is not a necessary part of the definition of what analytic theology is. Many of the leading proponents of an "analytic" mode of discourse are themselves historians of doctrine (Richard Cross comes immediately to mind, but there are many other notables like J.T. Paasch and Russell Friedman) and many who are sensitive to historical concerns whatever one may think of their final products (William Hasker and Brian Leftow, for example, or even McCall himself).

All in all this is a very useful introduction. McCall is a very clear writer and presents everything in brisk and digestible prose. In fact, the only real complaint I had (which is not really a complaint) is that I wanted more, and I certainly hope McCall applies himself to writing another general introduction to the topics often addressed by analytic theology. And this is where a few might be fooled: while there are case studies (Compatibalism and determinism and free will, for example) this is an introduction on a more "formal" level than many might expect (i.e. on the nature of analytic theology, rather than its possible topics). If you are looking for more material discussion, this might not be the book for you.