Top 10 Christian Theology Writers: What makes them important?
80Answering Hub Requests can lead to long afternoons, deep thought, and more questions...
Who are the Top Ten?
- Arminian Chronicles: Top Ten Theologians of All Time
1. Athanasius – Defended the church from the most serious heresy it faced: Arianism. 2. Martin Luther – Champion of justification by faith and sola scriptura. 3. Augustine – Defended the church from the Manichean and Pelagian heresies, even - Contest: The Top Living Theologians « Levellers
* Jürgen Moltmann (German Reformed ) If “best” WERE a theological category, Moltmann would have my vote for best living theologian, period. * Hans Küng (German Catholic). * Wolfhart Pannenberg (German Lutheran). * Desmond Tutu, Archbi - Amazon.com: "Top 10 English Speaking Theologians"
Jensen, Milbank, Williams, Hart, Hauerwas, Volf, Marshall, Gustafson, O'Donovan, Grenz - My Top Ten Theology Stories of 2008 | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction
Christianity Today continues as a leader in providing informative editorial on current events, news from a Christian perspective, Christian doctrine, issues and trends. - Top 5 Christian Theologians: Who Did I Leave Out? « Kingdom People
Athanasius of Alexandria Augustine of Hippo Thomas Aquinas John Calvin Karl Barth - Top 10 Most Influential Theologians… « my four walls
10. Norm Beck 9. Walter Wink 8. Brennan Manning 7. Rob Bell 6. C.S. Lewis 5. Walter Brueggeman 4. Brian McLaren 3. Tom Sine 2. Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch 1. Mike Yaconelli - Top Ten Systematic Theologians
# Karl Barth, Reformed # Emil Brunner, Reformed # Hans Küng, Roman Catholic # John MacQuarrie, Anglican (originally Reformed, Church of Scotland) # Jürgen Moltmann, Reformed # Thomas Oden Wesleyan # Wolfhart Pannenberg, Lutheran # Karl Rahner, Roman - Amazon.co.uk: "Top 10 Biblical Theology Books for Ordinary Mortals"
A list of products including, - Top 10 Most Influential Theologians… « my four walls
1. Naomi West (my wife, constant companion and theologian discussed at great depths and lengths Christ, God, and man) 2. Rich Mullins (his music and insight greatly touched me for years by practically illustrating Romans 1) 3. Oliver Hogue (My wife
How are we defining terms?
If a theologian is someone who is learned in theology or who speculates about theology and theology is the study of the nature of God and religious truth, well then, what is the nature of God and what is religious truth?
Religious truth may be easier to define than the Nature of God, though both are controversial concepts. Religious truth can mean:
1. Figuring out the underlying and intended meaning behind parables, stories, The Word, wisdom writings, etc. and shaping these discoveries into a coherent concept that points to a universal, unshakeable reality.
2. Acceptance of a dogma that informs a cohesive group's understanding of God, as in when a group of people come together to share in a group of religious beliefs that are considered absolutely correct.
3. An ethical statement of reality.
4. Whatever Jesus said.
5. Whatever Elvis said.
The Nature of God? Well, that, too, is not a perfect science. I suppose that is why theologians spend so much time and effort theologizing. Here are some ideas:
1. God is love.
2. God is Mother Nature.
3. God is the first mover.
4. God is everything.
5. God is energy... light... life...
6. God cannot be understood.
7. God is inside of you.
8. God is s/he who cannot and must not be defined.
The list goes on and on.
Who are the top ten theologians?
Okay, I admit I probably shouldn't have accepted the challenge of answering the request, Top Ten Christian Theology Writers, what makes them important? Because who is defining the top ten Christian Theology Writers?
Well, okay, we have the word Christian included in the text so I suppose this excludes non-Christian writers who have pondered the question of religious truth and the Nature of God. Contemporary guys like Ken Wilber and ancient books like the Bhagavad Gita are immediately stricken from a Christian list. But that doesn't begin to narrow the field.
Are we talking contemporary top ten, or top ten of all time? Are we focusing on American Top Ten or English-speaking Top Ten or the Top Ten in the International Scene? Are we eliminating anyone but the Catholic Top Ten- considering this religion contains the only theologians with numbers beginning with Number One, Peter of the Rock? Or are we concerned with the nondenominational Christian Top Ten, which eliminates Martin Luther, John Calvin and Henry the 8th?
What about the Unity Theologians? Charles Filmore built his faith on the Bible, the Christian book which contains The Word of God. But Unity scholars don't study it in quite the same way as the religious right studies it. So, which path are we talking?
Are we going with fiction writers, like Dan Brown who write DaVinci Code and William P. Young who wrote The Shack? Or are we sticking with guys like Duns Scotus, William of Ockham and John Wycliffe who were among the leading Oxford theologians of the later Middle Ages?
It's tough to begin to answer such a question until we rule out everyone falling outside a narrow frame of reference. Which leads to my third and final question.
Theologian Rock Group
Why does it matter?
The world's worst wars were fought over ideology. But killing each other in the name of religion has never been out of fashion. John Kelsay
Let's see, in recent years, the earth has suffered Crusades, French Wars of Religion, the Thirty Years War, Jihads, the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Saxon War, the Irish war between Catholics and Protestants- all in the name of religion. Certainly, the Christian religion came out of the Jewish faith and the Old Testament overflows with battles fought under the protective care of the Great I AM.
So I ask you, what benefit do defining and redefining religious creeds bestow on mankind, other than further separating man from man? What positive changes for humanity have been directly attributed to the writings of a Christian Theologian?
If you can name one such benefactor to all of humanity, I guarantee his/her pragmatic theological statements would begin my list of significant theological writers.
Theology in the News
- Marian Wright Edelman: Powerful Special Interests Should Not Trump Children's Health NeedsThe Huffington Post19 hours ago
A theologian friend shared the story of taking her car to a Jiffy Lube for servicing. Not having anything to read, she picked up a...
- John Edwin Smith, Philosopher at Yale, Dies at 88New York Times6 hours ago
Mr. Smith was a prominent philosopher and author whose work tackled large questions about the nature of truth from a pragmatic, pluralistic and specifically American perspective.
- Benedict's Pope: Should Pius XII Become a Saint?Time Magazine11 hours ago
In a move that surprised many Vatican watchers, Benedict XVI propels the candidacy of a controversial predecessor forward toward sainthood
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Comments
Well if you want the names of theologians, look at all the links I have provided. There are lists and lists of possibilities! So I haven't completely failed you, haha.
I appreciate your comment. In fact, my husband just arrived home after work and read your words, saying, "Hmm. That's a nice comment!" He is not very forthcoming in his approval where I am concerned, so I appreciate this response from two perspectives!!! Made my day, in fact. Thanks so much!
I am hoping others will weigh in with their top inspiring theologians...
I cannot name the top theologians in this world. It is useless to name any one. What is the criteria for choosing one over another? Our church is right in not quoting from any of the world famous theologians. If we wish to quote anyone, we quote from the examples of the people in the Bible. They are mentioned in the Bible for a specific reason and that is, you can quote them for their deeds. God be praised.
Hi Storyteller, what a take on the request, a great turn of the screw :-) Well done!
Hey, einron! You remind us that deeds speak louder than words. There is sense to that old saying. I was thinking about men like Martin Luther King, Jr. who have put their theology to the action test. What do you think about contemporary theologians like him? Or like Mother Theresa? Or Gandhi? I think the best gifts intellectual theologian writers offer is the raising of questions and the offering of ideas to inspire reflection. I do love ideas. I enjoy the ideas presented in the Bible as well as the ideas presented in other Wisdom Books. In fact, I am grateful to Blake for even raising this question because after I wrote this, I went for a walk with the dogs and I felt so calm and in the zone.
Elena, thank you! I didn't start out with this ending in mind. It evolved. That's what I love about writing. It's so present. I focus on the path immediately before me and the ending reveals itself.
Maybe it would have been easier if the request asked for "YOUR 10 favorite theologians". Then subjectivity would have been quite natural and expected in your response. Choosing the top then is a tall order. In any case, you brought up great points and I enjoyed the read. I would have to say my favorites for the 20th century would be Paul Tillich and, dare I say, C.S. Lewis (many wouldn't consider him a theologian, but he is important to me. I credit him with my own embracement of Christianity.)
Hey, lemarq, your clarification is duly noted! I love C.S. Lewis myself. His Mere Christianity came to me at the perfect time. He definitely influenced my outlook. Since then, which was back in 1979 actually, I have been inspired by many theologians but as evidenced by my statement, more so by Christian practitioners.
I guess the most theoretical guy I read with constant amazement is Ken Wilber and his cache of religious wizards on his site, Integral Spirituality http://isc.integralinstitute.org/Public/static/Def where he labels the different belief systems and defines why someone at a certain level or line might hold the opinion about religion or spirituality that they do. This approach fascinates me because it puts everything into perspective and on an equivalent basis. Thanks for stopping.
I posted my own answer to this question. I interpreted the question in my own context. People are usually looking for someone who has published a book that addresses Christian Living. My understanding is that some of the ministers in our modern world are the real professionals when it comes to bridging the gap between theory and practice in regards to faith. My list is ripe with ministers and even a couple of professors who have shaped my life and the lives of countless other people.
These are the writers I recommend becasue of the positive impact they have in real life. I like to think that we can live in an idealized world but the fact is we all have "baggage." We are all damaged and we all have issues that we are dealing with. Our greatest challenge is not in the pursuit of perfection or ideals but our hope relies on the reality that we have been forgiven all of our inadequacies.
I believe that it is in our brokenness that we find the greatest hope of all.
Thanks, Matt. I am sure your list is worth examining. Thanks for stopping by to share this news.
I really enjoyed this work of yours. There's humor and argument and logic and history. It should be nailed to someone's door, probably.
Haha, that's a major compliment, Tom!!! Thank you so much. My Lutheran parents would be thrilled to know I am walking the path of Martin.
I saw the play Inherit the Wind tonight at my daughter's school. Excellent job and very relevant to your comment as well. Thanks for stopping by. You have been hubbing like crazy. Good for you!
"I think the best gifts intellectual theologian writers offer is the raising of questions and the offering of ideas to inspire reflection." Great statement, I enjoyed your hub.
Thank you Jewels. I've never been quoted back to myself. What a kick!
Hi everyone, i have to say I love C.S. Lewis my self.
I could not leave this hub without say so.
Hey BCM, That is great! CS Lewis was one of my early favorites- his Mere Christianity, especially. Thanks for the comment!
We appreciate the information you have put together here.
Theologians come, theologians go. Each, if they give their own take on Scripture is to be viewed warily. I see no problem however giving Scripture takes on Scripture, letting The Word define the Word without adding or taking anything away. I do it and other hubists do it, blessing me to pieces. The Bible itself says to "reason together" and to "examine the Scripture" to "rightly divide it". (though these are 3 different references they do go hand in hand. That's how I see the words I read but then again I am just No Body.
haha, okay so your point is what? I thought at first you were agnostic but then I thought you might be born again. What is your take, no body? if you are no body does this mean you are fully spirit? i don't mean to be rude i am seriously curious!
If you let Scripture interpret Scripture, taking everything as literally as you can than there is a guideline that you can work with. It doesn't matter what I am or what I think. What does the Bible mean if I were dead? As soon as anyone starts giving what they think and their "take" then is where the problem starts. People "spiritualizing" symbolizing" "I think this meanzing" - This is where things go wrong. The Bible is a living book. Written for the ages in its perspective. It doesn't need our embellishments though they sound so enlightened. If you are a theologian I sincerely apologize for I did not mean to say theologians aren't necessary. But what one says over another is moot. What does God say in His Word that answers the question at hand. Using the Words to guide the principles and the principles to guide the Word - What does God say about XYZ. That is more important than my, your, or anyone's opinion.
Dear no body, Thanks for expressing your ideas on this very personal subject. I wonder if you are no body meaning you are spirit or if you deny the body or if you think this of yourself, that you are truly nobody? interesting choice of name. Thanks again for sharing what you think about all of this.
I really am no body important. I think I was just feeling sorry for myself when I chose the name. I had just been defeated by the scale again and I was feeling desperate to give my wife something sexy to look at and play with. (So I have no...body!) You know what? The more I use the name the more I like it. I even like the mysterious avatar that Hubpages gave me. I know that God loves me and Jesus died for me and that makes me special as it does everyone that is a believer but the mysterious voice of reason out of the shadows - well that's just downright cool!
Oh yeah, thank you for giving me a spot to speak. You really are the best.
Oh no body, you are totally welcome but I didn't give you the spot silly! It's kind of like love. It's there for the taking. You just have to ask or respond or somehow engage. You know, my husband is a bit overweight but with that has come a mellowing of his personality and that makes him even more sexy to me.
And like love, after it's been given - you give it right back. Luvya!
YES! thanks for all the reminders, no body! i appreciate you!
Great Hub! Here's one for measure: http://hubpages.com/hub/WalkwithGod
I will include this, but it's not hub policy to put your hub links on other people's sites, fyi.
Gustavo Gutierrez, the father of Liberation Theology, which was influenced by Marxism and revolutionary ideas of setting the poor people free and giving them tools to enable them to take action, or praxis to better their lives.
It started in Latin America in the 70's but can be useful in any country where there are marginalised, excluded people (that's everywhere!)
And I agree with the above comment that mentioned Paul Tillich, his Correlation Theology fits very nicely with Liberation Theology because it's getting people to speak to each other and listen to one another's ideas.
Karl Barth did some good work attempting to bridge the gap between conservative and liberal christians and he looks like a sweet old grandad with his pipe so I must add him.
Thank you so much for your additions, aslanlight!
This is a candid and honest evaluation upon which I would principly agree with, but probably not for the same reasons. What's my take on the question, "Who are the top ten Theologians?" I think that the answer to that question would be about as important as "Who are the top ten Prophets, Apostles, or Martyrs in the Bible? There are clearly enough commonalities with men which could be used to suggest a comparitive analysis, but I would also argue that there are just as many differences, which would cleary make it impractical. All men are similar, but there are no two exactly alike, neither are there any two that think exactly alike. This is a mark of the great wisdom of our God, everyman is like a thrown rock into the water; the movement of the water is never the same twice, and God uses each and every person through their gifts and talents to express a unique perspective of the mind and character of Himself. All of the collective thoughts of men are but a reflection of the depth of the mind of the Creator, thus there could never be a true comparison among men. Paul say's in 2Corinthians 10:12 "but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." In Ephesians 4:11, God called men to be, Bishops, Apostles, Evangelist, Pastors, Teachers, Prophets. Men, made Theologians. I would like to have responded also to the challenge concerning a "Christian Theologian writer" effecting direct positive change on society, but I would need some more clarification. Would the writers of the Bible qualify as theologians? Does this term "Christian Theologian" refer to both New and Old Testament periods?
Thanks for the Hub, Be Blessed, Shalom!
This question interests me: would the writers of the Bible qualify as theologians?
A big part of this question must be, who wrote the Bible? And another, did God write the Bible?
Defining God as a theologian is an interesting exercise. If the Bible is inspired text, this is what you are asking.
However, if you are implying that the Bible was written from the hearts of ordinary men, well, this is evaluated differently.
Assuming for a moment that the books were actually written by the people in the books, i.e., Pauls Letters are word for word written by Paul might be considered a theologian. While others might be better named poets and still others historians, laying down the "facts" without evaluation. What do you think?
In my experience, the Old Testament informs the New Testament and therefore must be considered as part of a Christian Theologian's complete context directly or indirectly. It's present as pumping blood might be present when viewing a body but it isn't the entire body, could be a rough analogy of my perspective on this.
A Theologian focused on the Old Testament but informed by the New Testament would still be a Christian Theologian, I believe. But a theologian who accepts the Old Testament without the New Testament would not be considered a Christian Theologian.
Storytellersrus,
Very well thought out hub, and while I don't agree with every aspect, I respect your argument and agree with most of it. I consider myself to be a theologian, and your hub evokes mixed responses from my ego ;-) My suggestions for theologians (you will be able to tell my background probably)--C.S. Lewis, Paul Tillich, Karl Rahner, Hans Urs Van Balthasar, Pope John Paul II, Thomas, Aquinas, J.R.R. Tolkien, Augustine, G.K. Chesterton, and Fulton Sheen. Not in any particular order, and somewhat diverse. Thank you!
Tolkien? Interesting. I am reading Sigurd and Gudrun, which he adapted from the Old Norse Prose Edda. I myself prefer the Poetic Edda. But I did not consider him a Theologian. I would love to hear more about this, rdlang05.
I must agree religion is trouble. I hate religions. Jesus hated only religion and sin. I think He hated religion more since he solved the sin problem. He loved people and died for them. There is no other founder of religion who died for people. But people died for the founders.
Thank you for opening this subject.
Religion is opinion of man about God and His Word.
No another book match the Bible.
Have a pleasant weekend.
Thanks for your comments, Valdimir Uhri!
Blake Flannery says:
10 months ago
I am blown away by how you answered my request. I wrote a title with one interpretation in mind and you used a different interpretation of the same title. You answered a much deeper question. Why do we need Theologians, since they only cause factions? Great point.
I do agree that it is important for you to seek truth on your own with your own mind. I asked because I can't name more than a couple theologians. Just hoping for some direction for educating myself, so that I might become more humane. Unfortunately I will need to get that from another hub.
You are a deep thinker and a person who questions. I admire you for that.