Article September 17, 1966 Issue

Fresh Winds in Theology

JON GIB HARDER

Radical change is the keynote of theology today. Vigorous thinkers in many denominations are pressing for a new vitality and application of Christian faith in every phase of living. They recognize that many long-standing beliefs and practices no longer meet the needs of space-age society. It seems clear that an ingrown, self-centered view of religion is gradually being laid aside in favor of a more active understanding of the universal scope and nature of Christianity. Many traditional doctrines and forms are being reevaluated either to be shelved or else drastically revamped.

While in some instances new theological concepts have been phrased in language which seems deliberately intended to shock rather than to strengthen belief, the individual who seeks to understand the meaning of these changing currents has to probe deeply to understand what lies back of such expressions as "religionless Christianity," "death of God," and "worldly holiness."

During the past two decades, the human sense of theology has been revolting against a conception of God as a sort of "fire chief" who can be counted upon to help at times when our human weaknesses or failures flare into trouble, but who has little meaning for the rest of experience. Following the lead of the late German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who saw God as present in the midst of daily activity with all its trials, triumphs, and temptations, many of the newer voices in academic theology are advocating with sincerity, honesty, and a remarkable freshness the nearness of God to all human experience and are refusing to encase His power in the trappings and mystical withdrawal of "other-worldly" religion. Practical service through activity is set forth as the essence of Christianity.

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