A Passion for Truth: The Intellectual Coherence of Evangelicalism (Theology)
An intellectual circling of the wagons, this combative book targets progressive church leaders, such as Bishop John Spong; liberal academic theologians, such as David Tracy; and pluralist philosophers of religion, such as John Hick. As McGrath notes in the conclusion to his chapter on postmodernism, the book is directed to those inside the circle and to potentially sympathetic bystanders. That the circle is undeniably influential ensures the book a significant audience. McGrath's characterizations of postliberalism, postmodernism, and religious pluralism will teach readers more about Evangelicalism than about the movements in question--but that is not necessarily a weakness. To the extent that McGrath's purpose is to demonstrate "coherence," circling the wagons is entirely appropriate. What that means for academic Evangelicalism is, however, problematic. If academic controversy is war by other means, McGrath's book could play a significant role in rallying evangelical forces--to withstand a siege or to storm the gates of "liberal" academia. But intellectuals organically related to McGrath's circle will need to cultivate a degree of humility if they expect "conversation" with the outside to be more than an exchange of gunfire.Steve Schroeder--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.