A Theology of Engagement

This ground-breaking book challenges readers to rethink the divide between liberal and orthodox approaches which characterises Christianity today.

• Provides an alternative to the liberal / orthodox divide in contemporary Christianity.
• Defends Christianity's engagement with non-Christian traditions.
• Includes important discussion of theological method.
• Illustrated with case studies involving human rights, interfaith tolerance, economics, and ethics.

Acknowledgments viii

Introduction 1

1 Engagement: What it is and Why it Matters 7

2 Augustine’s Theological Methodology 30

3 Assimilation, Resistance, and Overhearing 48

4 Assimilation: Engagement with Human Rights 62

5 Resistance: The Heresy of State Sovereignty and the Religious Imperative for Intervention to Defend
Human Rights 71

6 Assimilation: The Importance of the Black and Feminist Perspectives 86

7 Overhearing: Clash of Discourses – Secular in the West Against the Secular in India 109

8 Overhearing: Thinking about Hinduism, Inclusivity, and Toleration 123

9 Assimilation: Christianity and the Consensus around Capitalism 138

10 Assimilation and Overhearing: Rethinking Globalization – Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s Risale-I Nur, Hardt, and Negri 147

11 Keith Ward: An Engaged Theologian 159

12 Engaging with the Pope: Engagement yet Not Engagement 168

13 The Shape of an Engaged Theology 191

Conclusion 208

Notes 210

References 235

Index 245

"As a more spacious cosmology and the forces of diversity and globalization prompt "enclosures" of all sorts, Markham's thoughtful and timely work argues for "engagement" in terms that evocatively call forth both a bold integrity and an audacious humility in the practice of Christian theology." Sharon Daloz Parks, Associate Director, Whidbey Institute

"Professor Markham's essays are worth reading. The themes chosen are important, ...well researched and offer a good point of entry for the newcomer." Philip Lewis, University of Bradford, The Expository Times

"This book can help students, undergraduates and upwards, see the grand sweep as well as some of the intricacies of the faith and reason problem, and even experiment with it. This book would be an excellent choice for anyone interested in what thinking has to do wit Christianity." Sandra Ellis-Killian, The Alethia Foundation

"There is much here for a wide range of readers, those interested in theological methodology, historical theology, theology of religions, interfaith dialogue, ethical, social and global theology." Andrew Wingate, Leicester

"Markham puts forward clearly and passionately for, his position. This is a book with something to say." Zoe Bennett, The Cambridge Federation

Ian S. Markham is Dean of Hartford Seminary, Connecticut and Professor of Theology and Ethics. He is the author of numerous books, including Plurality and Christian Ethics (1994) and Truth and the Reality of God (1999). For Blackwell Publishing he has edited A World Religions Reader (second edition, 1999) and Encountering Religion (2000). He is the editor of Conversations in Religion and Theology. This ground-breaking book challenges readers to rethink the divide between liberal and orthodox approaches which characterizes Christianity today.

Ian S. Markham’s argument centers around the issue of Christianity’s engagement with non-Christian traditions. He takes issue with those people who see this engagement as a submission to modernity, arguing that throughout its history Christianity has in fact been enriched by its association with other traditions. The book draws on a range of illuminating examples, including extensive discussion of key figures such as Augustine of Hippo, as well as specific cases involving human rights, state sovereignty, feminism, black theology, economics, and ethics.