Speaking of God: Theology, Language and Truth (Eerdmans Ekklesia Series)

In this theological tour de force D. Stephen Long addresses a key question in current theological debate: the conditions of the possibility of “God-talk,” along with attending questions about natural theology, fideism, and theological truth-claims. He engages not only the most significant contemporary theologians and philosophers on this score (Denys Turner, Bruce Marshall, Charles Taylor, Fergus Kerr) but also the legacy of twentieth-century theology (Barth, von Balthasar) and the analytic philosophical tradition from Wittgenstein to Davidson. Throughout, Long sustains a careful exegetical engagement with Aquinas, showing that what’s at stake in contemporary theology is just how we inherit St. Thomas. / Central to Long’s project is averting the charge of “fideism” so often laid at the feet of “postliberal” approaches (like his own). To that end Long argues for a (chastened) natural theology, while challenging any simple distinction between “natural” and “confessional” theology. / “In joining these many voices into one conversation, Long does a remarkable job of surveying the current theological scene with respect to issues of language and truth, arguing for the need to deal head-on with classical questions of metaphysics. . . . An excellent and significant book.”— James K. A. Smith / Calvin College / “Long’s discussion of the topic of God and language offers a refreshingly original treatment of traditional approaches. His book cannot be ignored by anyone interested in this topic at any level.”— John Milbank / University of Nottingham