Discerning the Mystery: An Essay On The Nature Of Theology

by Andrew Louth

This book is among the finest critiques of the Enlightenment’s ways of knowing, coupled with a winsome description of a distinctly Christian alternative. Responding to what he sees as a “division and fragmentation” both in theology and the larger culture due to “the one-sided way we have come to seek and recognize truth…manifest in the way in which all concern with truth has been relinquished to the sciences,” Louth sets out to describe the source of that fragmentation and to challenge the notion that we must “accept the lot bequeathed to us by the Enlightenment.” He carefully reviews central themes of several precursors who have already forged a critique of the epistemological imperialism of the Enlightenment, principally Giambattista Vico, Wilhelm Dilthey, and Hans-Georg Gadamer, who in distinct ways demonstrated the legitimacy of the humanities’ unique apprehension of truth. Further relativizing Enlightenment claims, Michael Polanyi proposed that science itself depends on non-empirical elements of investigation for its method to function, what he termed “the tacit dimension.” It is here that Louth sees a “pattern underlying the apprehension of truth” that is strikingly similar to that of the Fathers of the Church, who set forth an approach to knowing and experiencing truth that ultimately can be “seen and heard and handled” (1 John 1:1-3), but only by those who reside in the bosom of the Church’s tradition and avail themselves of ways of knowing unique to it. Louth’s rather brilliant rehabilitation of the Fathers’ use of allegory in scriptural interpretation, which interweaves Scripture and tradition seamlessly, illustrates this approach. The matrix of allegory requires and manifests the “tacit dimension” of the guidance of the Spirit, and underlines the theologian’s need to hear Him. Or as Evagrios of Pontus might put it, “Knowledge of God—the breast of the Lord. To recline there—the making of a theologian.”

Genres: Theology, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Religion, History, Christianity

150 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 1983

About the author

Andrew Louth is an Eastern Orthodox theologian and priest of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Reviews

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute classic, and I find it incredibly helpful in teaching. This is probably my tenth time reading it, and I get something new from it every time. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

[Dan Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book and worthy of acceptance. Louth argues that historical-critical interpretive methods are an attempt at a systematic scientific approach to understanding Scripture, part of an effort to legitimize and gain respect for theology and biblical studies in our modern era enamored as it is with the success of the hard sciences. However, drawing on arguments from Gadamer, Polanyi and others, Louth shows that there are ways of knowing other than experimental science and that even modern scientific knowledge/methodology, upon further examination, depends far more on tradition and traditional ways of knowing than people realize. Louth says theology must really be done from within the historic stream of church tradition, from within a liturgical community, and by people committed to prayer and pursuit of holiness. Only by reuniting theology/biblical study with the spiritual life is theology returned to its proper context: within a loving covenant relationship with the Triune God, contemplating the mystery of Christ in God.

Louth's characterization of the principle of sola scriptura is not true of all Protestant/Reformed theologians/biblical scholars (though it is certainly true of many). Many do believe proper interpretation can only be done in the context of the church and in conversation with the saints who have gone before, and many Reformed theologians reject the dominance or historical-critical method, even while, like Louth, using it as a helpful 'detective' tool for interpretive 'ground clearing'. That straw-man aside, this is an excellent book. I highly recommend it to pastors, teachers/preachers, students of the Word and armchair theologians everywhere.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reviewing this book I should tell you not to buy this edition. I purchased this for around $50(147 pages, paperback), because I needed it for a class. After purchasing it I discovered that Eighth day books had their own published edition for half the price. Pagination was exactly the same. I would like to think my version has higher quality paper and uses more expensive glue in the binding, though I can't be sure. On to the review:

This book provides an excellent critique on where the Enlightenment has brought us in terms of its bastardization of truth and the glorification of scientific method over other ways of knowing. Louth points out that tradition and subjective ways of knowing are marginalized by the scientific method. This is no less true in biblical studies where the historical criticism applies the scientific method to reading the Bible. Louth argues that rather than getting our hermeneutic from the sciences, the humanities provide a better framework. This is because the humanities leave room for mystery while the sciences are directed at problem solving. Furthermore, Louth argues for a re-engagement with the tradition, and traditional forms of exegesis (allegory) in interpretation.

There is much to be commended in Louth's analysis. But I wonder if Louth is overstating his case somewhat. Clearly the practice of historical critical method has produced some useful knowledge (which Louth only half concedes). Louth is arguing for a more holistic look at truth but seems to be going to the other extreme. This is understandable as Louth states that he is not asking for agreement so much as promoting discussion.

[Alex Strohschein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on theology and merits several re-readings. Andrew Louth's main contention is that the discipline of theology is more like the humanities than the sciences ("libraries, not laboratories"). He discusses the scientific method and attempt to devise historical critical method for humanities. Only God knows nature fully since He made it. Humans may fully know culture and social imaginaries we have made. The best interpretation is to enter into mind of the writer.

"The method of science is logical and rational; the method of the humanities is one of imagination, sympathetic understanding, 'indwelling'"

[Matt Allhands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough but worth the effort. Louth examines the Enlightenment division between hard sciences and the humanities in order to realign the discipline of theology with its purpose - living lives “close to the mystery of God in Christ...” rather than leaving it as an intellectual tool only used to solve problems.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow.

[John Roberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louth seeks to reunite theory and practice, theology and spirituality. Marshalling an impression collection of scholarship, Louth reconsiders academic pursuits not as abstract knowledge but discernment of the mystery we behold. A strong criticism of certain extreme conclusions regarding theology drawn from the Enlightenment and a ressourcement of a more organic, holistic, human theological endeavor.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for a class on the Song of Songs. it's exquisite, more of a review to come....

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really good. Develops from TSEliot's point about ' dissociation of sensibility.'

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best theology books I’ve read.

[John Mcchesney-young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent if dense book of philosophical theology. If you find the going discouragingly slow through Vico, Dilthey, Gadamer, Polanyi, et al., be assured that it picks up about halfway through without chapter 4 and the (long) fifth chapter in tradition is particularly good.

[Hunter Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a feast - every word was deliberately chosen. Every sentence mattered. It forced me to go slowly, retrace my steps, and think long and hard. While I do not agree with everything the author proposes, I think it serves as a helpful corrective to the modern hermeneutic of suspicion.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exploration into epistemology and the way in which (experiential) theology illumines mystery as foundational truth. Excellent.

[Paul Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profound analysis and critique of the devastating gap between theology and spirituality. Eat this book.

[Basil · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This has been a paradigm shifter for me. Louth writes clearly and forcefully. He uncovers the false claims of science, since the Enlightenment, to reach objective truth and contends that theology has bought into the lie. Louth shows that "scientific truth" is not any truer than historical truths. To be sure, theology is not done in laboratories but in libraries; further still, theology is done more so in lives than in libraries. People like Vico, Gadamer and Polyani have thrown into question the certainty of the critical historical method of biblical interpretation. These authors assert that all truth is personal and the biblical text must be interacted with - not as an object to dissect - but to have a conversation with. Undoubtedly this interaction with the biblical text will include a conversation with those whom it has been handed down to; i.e. the community of faith for the last two thousand years. Enter: allegory. Far from being permission to make up anything one wants, the meaning of allegory contains a strict Christological focus with the telos of the biblical narrative in mind. This book goes highly recommended and will surely reward you with new insights for the rest of your life.

[Ephrem Arcement · Rating 3 out of 5]

Louth is one of the most articulate and passionate theologians out there working to bridge the gap between theology and spirituality. This book has much to recommend it, but Louth seems to overcompensate a bit with take on "the historical-critical method" and the return to allegory.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second half of the book was interesting, I'm not sure the first half is necessary anymore.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite books on the general principles of theology because it catches the blend of thought, prayer and contemplation that need to comprise theology.