Radical Orthodoxy? A Catholic Enquiry is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand 'Radical Orthodoxy', or be in critical dialogue with it. John Milbank, Catherine Pickstock and Graham Ward, the three principal exponents of Radical Orthodoxy, each enter into dialogue with theologians from the Catholic tradition - a tradition with whose sources and current researches Radical Orthodoxy claims to have much in common. The Introduction explores the issues and tensions involved in Radical Orthodoxy's dialogue with Catholic theology, and David Burrell offers an important evaluation of Radical Orthodoxy in the context of North America. In the first dialogue John Milbank presents one of the clearest expositions of the Radical Orthodoxy programme to date; Fergus Kerr's reply discusses this programme in the wider context of post-war Catholic debate. Catherine Pickstock explores the work of Aquinas to show how Radical Orthodoxy is appropriating the work of past theological giants, and in reply Laurence Hemming asks what questions remain in that process. Graham Ward, Oliver Davies and Lucy Gardner debate the challenges facing contemporary theology, both from the past and the postmodern present. James Hanvey's provocative conclusion opens the way to future debate. Challenging, yet accessibly written, this book represents an important milestone in the critical reception of Radical Orthodoxy. Shedding new light on contemporary issues and current theological enquiry, this book offers important insights to students of theology and those training for ministry, clergy and informed lay people, and everyone who wants to make sense of one of the most demanding yet important debates currently taking place.
Biography
Laurence Paul Hemming
'An excellent collection - advancing, both pro and con, the most provocative theological movement of the new millennium'. James J. Buckley, Loyola College in Maryland, U.S.A. 'The intellectual energy displayed in this exchange shows the vitality of British theology today'. Nicholas Lash, Emeritus Norris-Hulse Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge, UK ’...a valuable introduction to the Radical Orthodoxy movement. Those engaged in critical reflection on the merits and limitations of modern theoloy for the postmodern world will find it a challenging and stimulating collection.’ Theological Studies, 2001 ’The academic ferocity of the debate is immediately evident in these essays...This volume will be of immense value for theologians everywhere, but it will also be useful for average believers who simply wish to keep abreast of the Catholic position. As a movement that manages simultaneously to place God back in the centre of theology, capture public imagination, and usher in a new age of postsecularism, Radical Orthodoxy is set to rock the theological world further, a worrying thought that makes this lucid Catholic enquiry all the more welcome.' John Townsend in the Catholic Herald 'This volume will be invaluable to all those interested in radical orthodoxy itself, quite apart from the Catholic dimension. In their essays Milbank, Pickstock and Ward engage in the tasks of clarifying, modifying and developing their positions in response to various criticisms that have recently arisen... a stimulating and engaging collection of essays that moves the debate forward in genuinely innovative ways.' Modern Theology 'The topic of how Catholic theology responds to modernity and the loss of tradition, and the rise of the Radical Orthodoxy movement, is thoughtfully and respectfully presented in this book... the book is a starting point for further reflection and strategic planning in the contemplation of the ideas and principles which are espoused by the Radi
