2015 09 15 Dialog - Vol 54 No 3 - Adam Powell

Magazine Overview

This issue of Dialog: A Journal of Theology, Volume 54, Number 3, published in Fall 2015 (September), is a collection of book reviews. The journal is published by Dialog: A Journal of Theology and has an ISSN of 0012-2033. The cover price is $15.00.

Book Reviews

A Philosophical Anthropology of the Cross: The Cruciform Self by Brian Gregor

Reviewed by Eric Worringer of Luther Seminary, this book is described as a significant and innovative work that seeks to articulate a philosophy of self, via Dietrich Bonhoeffer, that is "transformed by the cross, rather than transforming the cross." Gregor engages Bonhoeffer with Paul Ricoeur, using Bonhoeffer as a corrective to Ricoeur's interpretations of the cross. The review highlights Gregor's argument that modern conceptions of self are self-justifying and that the modern self is "an egocentric, isolated, ahistorical, disembodied, and disengaged thinking subject." Gregor connects this to Luther's concept of *cor curvum in se* (the heart turned in on itself). For Bonhoeffer, the cross destroys the self-justifying ego. The book also delves into Bonhoeffer's idea of the penultimate, which Gregor believes grounds a conception of self that is both free and justified. The review notes that Gregor's work is a monumental step forward in articulating an anthropology and vocabulary for sanctification that is adequate for postmodern times, offering a robust Lutheran vocabulary.

Worringer suggests that further engagement with Emmanuel Levinas and Jacques Derrida could have illuminated Bonhoeffer's ideas on selfhood and responsibility, particularly the concept of the vicarious life. Despite this, Worringer praises the book as an excellent contribution that begins a conversation about philosophy engaged with the scandal of the cross and a robust Lutheran vocabulary of sanctification.

Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically by Beth Felker Jones

Reviewed by Mindy Makant of Lenoir-Rhyne University, this book is a thorough and engaging text designed to introduce undergraduate students to key Christian doctrines. Jones covers a wide range of theological territory in an accessible manner, including revelation, Trinity, creation, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. The book aims to move students from intellectual assent to a response of faith, encouraging them to "put that faith into practice." It is described as evangelical and ecumenical, focusing on areas of agreement across the Christian church and drawing on a diverse range of voices. The review notes that while the book is strengths include its ecumenical focus and clear explanations of complex concepts, particularly in chapters on the Trinity, Christology, and soteriology. However, the review points out some unevenness in clarity and depth, particularly regarding the theology of the sacraments, where Jones misrepresents the Lutheran understanding of consubstantiation. The text also reflects evangelical concerns, such as the distinction between inerrancy and infallibility, and a tendency to use primarily masculine language for God, which may not resonate with all readers. Makant concludes that it is a very good text, well-suited for evangelical "Religion" programs but perhaps less so for "Religious Studies" programs, due to its focus on discipleship and its evangelical commitments.

UFOs: God's Chariots?—Spirituality, Aliens, and Religious Yearnings in the Age of Extraterrestrials by Ted Peters

Reviewed by Adam J. Powell of Lenoir-Rhyne University, this revised edition of Peters' book argues that the UFO phenomenon exposes a cultural tendency to translate traditional religious or spiritual sensibilities into scientific or materialist language. Peters employs the tools of a scholar of religion and theologian to analyze UFO accounts. The book is divided into twelve chapters, illuminating four categories of UFO encounters: The Interstellar Diplomat, The Research Scientist, The Celestial Savior, and The Hybridizer. These models are derived from a phenomenological process, distinguishing subject from object and analyzing interpretive structures. The review highlights the book's strength in its phenomenological approach, which avoids debates over the "truth" of UFOs and aliens and instead focuses on the recurrence of religious motifs. However, Powell notes a tension in Peters' use of the term "symbols," which can be interpreted as either religious allusions or as overtly Christian concepts. Despite these shortcomings, the review states that the book sheds light on the religious undercurrents of UFO culture and applies a careful hand to a topic often treated crudely. Peters' arguments are conveyed convincingly, such as the assertion that "science is buying out religion, but science continues to sell religion's products, such as salvation."

How (Not) To Be Secular: Reading Charles Taylor by James K. A. Smith

Reviewed by Richard Von Dohlen of Lenoir-Rhyne University, this book serves as an introduction to Charles Taylor's extensive work, "A Secular Age." Smith aims to make Taylor's analysis of how belief in God became problematic in the late twentieth century accessible to a wider audience, including "practitioners." Taylor's work explores the shift from a world where belief in God was nearly impossible to disbelieve, to one where disbelief is common. Smith's review highlights Taylor's concept of "social imaginaries" and the "buffered self" that characterizes the modern mind, which is not subject to invasive spiritual influences. The review notes that Taylor's Roman Catholicism informs his apologetic approach, which argues that Christianity offers a more adequate perspective for naming and dealing with "the specter of meaningless." Taylor defines "secular" as a change in the conditions of belief, where exclusive humanism is a widespread option. Von Dohlen praises Smith's exposition as masterful but offers some criticism, suggesting that Taylor's work, which focuses on Western Europe and North America, could benefit from a broader scope. He also expresses reservations about Taylor and Smith's expansive sociological claims, questioning whether all people are as "cross-pressured" as described and suggesting that the analysis might be limited to academic circles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Dialog: A Journal of Theology focuses on theological and philosophical analyses of contemporary cultural phenomena, including the nature of the self, the practice of Christian doctrine, and the interpretation of UFO sightings. The reviews engage with prominent thinkers such as Bonhoeffer, Ricoeur, Luther, Taylor, and Peters, exploring their ideas in relation to modern challenges. The journal appears to maintain an academic and critical stance, offering in-depth reviews that engage with the strengths and weaknesses of the reviewed works, while also providing context within theological and philosophical discourse. The reviews demonstrate a commitment to exploring how faith and theology intersect with broader cultural and intellectual trends.