Here are my speculations:
- as we have moved into a post-Christendom situation, theologians are more aware of a creeping hostility to their discipline, and to the church in the wider culture. Instead of feeling part of a largely Christianised culture, we now find ourselves seeking an identity in contradistinction to the culture. These are themes in the theologies of Milbank and Hauerwas among others, too.
- a move away from abstraction towards enfleshed particularity; the attraction of the exemplar, in moral terms rather than the theory.
- a growing awareness of the plight of Christians world-wide, and the way in which real martyrs have made a difference in terrible situations in recent times. Luwum and Romero, for example.
- has liberation theology made a difference here?
- the spectacle and fear of religious violence
Hmmm....
2 comments:
All of the above, as well as a reaction against the increasing meaninglessness of modern life. Some find the endless, godless materialism and consumerism of this day hollow and unfulfilling. They are looking for something to believe in, and admire those who would die for their convictions. We want real heroes like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, not frauds like John McClane. Though, Achilles and King Leonidas would still appeal to blokes.
I reckon you're spot on Michael. Moreover, there has been something of a renaissance in Anabaptist history and theology. It began with Harold Bender, Franklin Littel, et al. who influenced among others John Howard Yoder. He of course had a big impact on Hauerwas.
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