The Promise of Critical Theology: Essays in Honour of Charles Davis (Editions SR, 16)

Written in tribute to one of the foremost Catholic theologians in the English-speaking world, the essays in __The Promise of Critical Theology__ address the question: Can critical theology secure its critical operation without undermining its foundation in religious tradition and experience? Is “critical theology” simply an oxymoron when viewed from both sides of the equation? From Marc Lalonde’s introductory essay which delimits Davis’ fundamental position, that the primary task of critical theology is the critique of religious orthodoxy, the essays examine Davis’ distinction between faith and belief and build upon the promise of critical theology as inextricably bound to the promise of faith. They ask: What is its promise? What particular religious ideas, themes, stories are appropriate for its concrete expression? How can the community of faith receive its transformative message? What might be the contribution of other religious traditions and philosophies? Essays by Paul Lakeland, Dennis McCann, Kenneth Melchin, Michael Oppenheim and Marsha Hewitt respond to these and other questions and critically relate Davis’ work to ongoing developments in modern theology, critical theory, philosophy and the social sciences. Their diversity attests to the comprehensive scope of Davis’ thought and exemplifies the progressive character of contemporary religious discourse. They honour Davis and illuminate the promise of critical religious thinking in itself. "Written in tribute to one of the foremost theologians in the English-speaking world, the essays in The Promise of Critical Theology address the question: Can critical theology secure its critical operation without undermining its foundation in religious tradition and experience? Is "critical theology" simply an oxymoron when viewed from both sides of the equation?" "From Marc Lalonde's introductory essay which delimits Davis' fundamental position, that the primary task of critical theology is the critique of religious orthodoxy, the essays examine Davis' distinction between faith and belief and build upon the promise of critical theology as inextricably bound to the promise of faith. They ask: What is its promise? What particular religious ideas, themes, stories are appropriate for its concrete expression? How can the community of faith receive its transformative message? What might be the contribution of other religious traditions and philosophies?"--BOOK JACKET Theology For Tomorrow / Charles Davis -- For Whom Do We Write? The Responsibility Of The Theologian / Paul Lakeland -- The Path Marked Out By Charles Davis's Critique Of Political Theology / Dennis P. Mccann -- Pluralism, Conflict, And The Structure Of The Public Good / Kenneth R. Melchin -- Welcoming The Other : The Philosophical Foundations For Pluralism In The Works Of Charles Davis And Emmanuel Levinas / Michael Oppenheim -- Charles Davis And The Warm Current Of Critical Theology : A Feminist Critical Appreciation / Marsha A. Hewitt. Marc P. Lalonde, Editor. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. A Selected Bibliography Of Charles Davis Work: (p. 137-141)