Radical orthodoxy
Encyclopedia
Radical Orthodoxy is Christian theological and philosophical school of thought which makes use of postmodern philosophy to reject the paradigm of modernity
. The movement was founded by John Milbank
and others and takes its name from the title of a collection of essays published by Routledge in 1999: Radical Orthodoxy, A New Theology, edited by John Milbank, Catherine Pickstock
and Graham Ward
. Radical Orthodoxy includes theologians from a number of church traditions.
. Such forms of radical theology asserted a highly liberal version of Christian faith where certain doctrines, for example, the Trinity and the incarnation of God in Christ were denied in an attempt to respond to modernity. In contrast to this, Radical Orthodoxy attempted to show how the orthodox interpretation of Christian faith (as given primarily in the ecumenical creeds) was in fact the more radical response to contemporary issues and more rigorous and intellectually sustainable.
and Kantian accounts of metaphysics
. The name "Radical Orthodoxy" emphasizes the movement's attempt to return to or revive traditional doctrine. "Radical" (lat. radix, "root"), "Orthodoxy
" (gr. orthós, "correct" and dóxa, "teaching", [God-]"honouring", therefore, "correct faith"). The movement reclaims the original early church idea that theology is the "queen of the sciences". This means that if the world is to be interpreted correctly, it must be viewed from the perspectives of theology. Radical Orthodoxy critiques and dismisses secular sciences because their worldview is considered inherently atheistic and nihilistic, based on acts of ontological violence (of which the faith/reason, nature/grace separations are examples. What this means is that science, ethics, politics, economics and all other branches of study are interpreted and informed through a theological ontology, with the mainstream secular variations representing heresies (as in deviations from orthodoxy). Its ontology has some similarities to the Neoplatonist account of participation.
theological work on the distinction of nature and grace has been influential in the movement's articulation of ontology
. Hans Urs von Balthasar's
theological aesthetics and literary criticism are also influential. The strong critique of liberalism
found in much of Radical Orthodoxy has its origin in the work of Karl Barth
. The Oxford Movement
and the Cambridge Platonists
are also key influences of Radical Orthodoxy.
A form of Neoplatonism
plays a significant role in Radical Orthodoxy. Syrian Iamblichus of Chalcis
(c.
245–325) and the Byzantine Proclus
(412–485) are occasionally sourced, while the theology of Augustine
, Gregory of Nyssa
, Thomas Aquinas
, Nicholas of Cusa
and Meister Eckhart
is often drawn upon.
One of the key tasks of Radical Orthodoxy is to revisit the philosophy of Duns Scotus
. Scotus' rejection of analogy
is often presented as the precursor of modernity.
Though the majority within the movement support John Milbank's "Blue Socialism" in politics, others have aligned with the traditionalist-conservative "Red Tory
" movement in the UK (and Canada). Though the difference between the two isn't clear.
Modernity
Modernity typically refers to a post-traditional, post-medieval historical period, one marked by the move from feudalism toward capitalism, industrialization, secularization, rationalization, the nation-state and its constituent institutions and forms of surveillance...
. The movement was founded by John Milbank
John Milbank
Alasdair John Milbank is a Christian theologian and the Professor of Religion, Politics and Ethics at the University of Nottingham where he also directs the Centre of Theology and Philosophy. Milbank previously taught at the University of Virginia and before that at the University of Cambridge...
and others and takes its name from the title of a collection of essays published by Routledge in 1999: Radical Orthodoxy, A New Theology, edited by John Milbank, Catherine Pickstock
Catherine Pickstock
Catherine Pickstock is a member of the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge and a Reader in Philosophy and Theology, Fellow and Tutor of Emmanuel College, Cambridge...
and Graham Ward
Graham Ward (theologian)
Graham Ward is currently Professor of Contextual Theology and Ethics at the University of Manchester, England. His appointment as Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford is expected to take effect from 1 October 2012. His letter of appointment had to be re-issued because his...
. Radical Orthodoxy includes theologians from a number of church traditions.
Beginnings
Radical Orthodoxy's beginnings are found in a series of books edited by John Milbank, Catherine Pickstock and Graham Ward. Milbank's Theology and Social Theory (1990), while not part of this series, is considered the first significant text of the movement. The name "Radical Orthodoxy" was chosen initially since it was a more snappy title for the book series - initially Milbank considered the movement to be "postmodern critical Augustinianism", emphasising the use of a reading of St Augustine influenced by the insights of postmodernism in the work of the group. The name was also chosen in opposition to certain strands of so-called radical theology, for example those of Bishop John Shelby SpongJohn Shelby Spong
John Shelby "Jack" Spong is a retired American bishop of the Episcopal Church. He was formerly the Bishop of Newark . He is a liberal Christian theologian, religion commentator and author...
. Such forms of radical theology asserted a highly liberal version of Christian faith where certain doctrines, for example, the Trinity and the incarnation of God in Christ were denied in an attempt to respond to modernity. In contrast to this, Radical Orthodoxy attempted to show how the orthodox interpretation of Christian faith (as given primarily in the ecumenical creeds) was in fact the more radical response to contemporary issues and more rigorous and intellectually sustainable.
Main ideas
Radical Orthodoxy is a critique of modern secularismSecularism
Secularism is the principle of separation between government institutions and the persons mandated to represent the State from religious institutions and religious dignitaries...
and Kantian accounts of metaphysics
Metaphysics
Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world, although the term is not easily defined. Traditionally, metaphysics attempts to answer two basic questions in the broadest possible terms:...
. The name "Radical Orthodoxy" emphasizes the movement's attempt to return to or revive traditional doctrine. "Radical" (lat. radix, "root"), "Orthodoxy
Orthodoxy
The word orthodox, from Greek orthos + doxa , is generally used to mean the adherence to accepted norms, more specifically to creeds, especially in religion...
" (gr. orthós, "correct" and dóxa, "teaching", [God-]"honouring", therefore, "correct faith"). The movement reclaims the original early church idea that theology is the "queen of the sciences". This means that if the world is to be interpreted correctly, it must be viewed from the perspectives of theology. Radical Orthodoxy critiques and dismisses secular sciences because their worldview is considered inherently atheistic and nihilistic, based on acts of ontological violence (of which the faith/reason, nature/grace separations are examples. What this means is that science, ethics, politics, economics and all other branches of study are interpreted and informed through a theological ontology, with the mainstream secular variations representing heresies (as in deviations from orthodoxy). Its ontology has some similarities to the Neoplatonist account of participation.
Influences
Henri de Lubac'sHenri de Lubac
Henri-Marie de Lubac, SJ was a French Jesuit priest who became a Cardinal of the Catholic Church, and is considered to be one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century...
theological work on the distinction of nature and grace has been influential in the movement's articulation of ontology
Ontology
Ontology is the philosophical study of the nature of being, existence or reality as such, as well as the basic categories of being and their relations...
. Hans Urs von Balthasar's
Hans Urs von Balthasar
Hans Urs von Balthasar was a Swiss theologian and priest who was nominated to be a cardinal of the Catholic Church...
theological aesthetics and literary criticism are also influential. The strong critique of liberalism
Liberalism
Liberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, liberals support ideas such as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights,...
found in much of Radical Orthodoxy has its origin in the work of Karl Barth
Karl Barth
Karl Barth was a Swiss Reformed theologian whom critics hold to be among the most important Christian thinkers of the 20th century; Pope Pius XII described him as the most important theologian since Thomas Aquinas...
. The Oxford Movement
Oxford Movement
The Oxford Movement was a movement of High Church Anglicans, eventually developing into Anglo-Catholicism. The movement, whose members were often associated with the University of Oxford, argued for the reinstatement of lost Christian traditions of faith and their inclusion into Anglican liturgy...
and the Cambridge Platonists
Cambridge Platonists
The Cambridge Platonists were a group of philosophers at Cambridge University in the middle of the 17th century .- Programme :...
are also key influences of Radical Orthodoxy.
A form of Neoplatonism
Neoplatonism
Neoplatonism , is the modern term for a school of religious and mystical philosophy that took shape in the 3rd century AD, based on the teachings of Plato and earlier Platonists, with its earliest contributor believed to be Plotinus, and his teacher Ammonius Saccas...
plays a significant role in Radical Orthodoxy. Syrian Iamblichus of Chalcis
Iamblichus of Chalcis
Iamblichus, also known as Iamblichus Chalcidensis, was an Assyrian Neoplatonist philosopher who determined the direction taken by later Neoplatonic philosophy...
(c.
Circa
Circa , usually abbreviated c. or ca. , means "approximately" in the English language, usually referring to a date...
245–325) and the Byzantine Proclus
Proclus
Proclus Lycaeus , called "The Successor" or "Diadochos" , was a Greek Neoplatonist philosopher, one of the last major Classical philosophers . He set forth one of the most elaborate and fully developed systems of Neoplatonism...
(412–485) are occasionally sourced, while the theology of Augustine
Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo , also known as Augustine, St. Augustine, St. Austin, St. Augoustinos, Blessed Augustine, or St. Augustine the Blessed, was Bishop of Hippo Regius . He was a Latin-speaking philosopher and theologian who lived in the Roman Africa Province...
, Gregory of Nyssa
Gregory of Nyssa
St. Gregory of Nyssa was a Christian bishop and saint. He was a younger brother of Basil the Great and a good friend of Gregory of Nazianzus. His significance has long been recognized in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Catholic and Roman Catholic branches of Christianity...
, Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas, O.P. , also Thomas of Aquin or Aquino, was an Italian Dominican priest of the Catholic Church, and an immensely influential philosopher and theologian in the tradition of scholasticism, known as Doctor Angelicus, Doctor Communis, or Doctor Universalis...
, Nicholas of Cusa
Nicholas of Cusa
Nicholas of Kues , also referred to as Nicolaus Cusanus and Nicholas of Cusa, was a cardinal of the Catholic Church from Germany , a philosopher, theologian, jurist, mathematician, and an astronomer. He is widely considered one of the great geniuses and polymaths of the 15th century...
and Meister Eckhart
Meister Eckhart
Eckhart von Hochheim O.P. , commonly known as Meister Eckhart, was a German theologian, philosopher and mystic, born near Gotha, in the Landgraviate of Thuringia in the Holy Roman Empire. Meister is German for "Master", referring to the academic title Magister in theologia he obtained in Paris...
is often drawn upon.
One of the key tasks of Radical Orthodoxy is to revisit the philosophy of Duns Scotus
Duns Scotus
Blessed John Duns Scotus, O.F.M. was one of the more important theologians and philosophers of the High Middle Ages. He was nicknamed Doctor Subtilis for his penetrating and subtle manner of thought....
. Scotus' rejection of analogy
Analogy
Analogy is a cognitive process of transferring information or meaning from a particular subject to another particular subject , and a linguistic expression corresponding to such a process...
is often presented as the precursor of modernity.
Though the majority within the movement support John Milbank's "Blue Socialism" in politics, others have aligned with the traditionalist-conservative "Red Tory
Red Tory
A red Tory is an adherent of a particular political philosophy, tradition, and disposition in Canada somewhat similar to the High Tory tradition in the United Kingdom; it is contrasted with "blue Tory". In Canada, the phenomenon of "red toryism" has fundamentally, if not exclusively, been found in...
" movement in the UK (and Canada). Though the difference between the two isn't clear.
Key texts
- Radical Orthodoxy: A New Theology, John Milbank, Catherine Pickstock, Graham Ward (eds). London: Routledge, 1999 - (ISBN 0-415-19699-X)
- Theology and Social Theory (2nd ed.), John Milbank. Oxford: Blackwell, 2006 - (ISBN 1-4051-3684-7)
- Being Reconciled, John Milbank. London: Routledge, 2003 - (ISBN 0-415-30525-X)
- Post-Secular Philosophy Phillip Blond. London: Routledge 1997 - ( ISBN 978-0-415-09778-9)
- Truth in Aquinas, John Milbank and Catherine Pickstock. London: Routledge, 2000 - (ISBN 0-415-23335-6)
- After Writing, Catherine Pickstock. Oxford: Blackwell, 1997 - (ISBN 0-631-20672-8)
- The Word Made Strange, John Milbank. Oxford: Blackwell, 1997 - (ISBN 0-631-20336-2)
- Radical Orthodoxy: A Critical Introduction, Steven Shakespeare. London: SPCK, 2007 - (ISBN 978-0-281-05837-2)
Books
- Radical Orthodoxy: A New Theology, John MilbankJohn MilbankAlasdair John Milbank is a Christian theologian and the Professor of Religion, Politics and Ethics at the University of Nottingham where he also directs the Centre of Theology and Philosophy. Milbank previously taught at the University of Virginia and before that at the University of Cambridge...
, Catherine PickstockCatherine PickstockCatherine Pickstock is a member of the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge and a Reader in Philosophy and Theology, Fellow and Tutor of Emmanuel College, Cambridge...
, Graham WardGraham Ward (theologian)Graham Ward is currently Professor of Contextual Theology and Ethics at the University of Manchester, England. His appointment as Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford is expected to take effect from 1 October 2012. His letter of appointment had to be re-issued because his...
(eds). London: Routledge, 1999 - (ISBN 0-415-19699-X) - Truth in Aquinas, John Milbank and Catherine Pickstock. London: Routledge, 2000 - (ISBN 0-415-23335-6)
- Divine Economy: Theology and the Market, D. Stephen LongD. Stephen LongDuane Stephen Long, also known as D. Stephen Long, is Professor of Systematic Theology at Marquette University and the author of The Divine Economy: Theology and Market, which details a Christian approach to economics based in the school of Radical orthodoxy.He is also the author of The Goodness...
. London: Routledge, 2000 - (ISBN 0-415-22673-2) - Cities of God, Graham Ward. London: Routledge, 2000 - (ISBN 0-415-20256-6)
- Liberation Theology After the End of History: The Refusal to Cease Suffering, Daniel M. Bell. London: Routledge, 2001 - (ISBN 0-415-24304-1)
- Genealogy of Nihilism: Philosophies of Nothing & the Difference of Theology, Conor Cunningham. London: Routledge, 2002 - (ISBN 0-415-27694-2)
- Speech and Theology: Language and the Logic of Incarnation, James K. A. SmithJames K. A. SmithJames K. A. Smith is Professor of Philosophy at Calvin College and a notable figure in Radical Orthodoxy, a postmodern Christian movement. His work is undertaken at the borderlands between philosophy, theology, ethics, aesthetics, science, and politics...
. London: Routledge, 2002 - (ISBN 0-415-27696-9) - Augustine and Modernity, Michael Hanby. London: Routledge, 2003 - (ISBN 0-415-28469-4)
- Being Reconciled: Ontology and Pardon, John MilbankJohn MilbankAlasdair John Milbank is a Christian theologian and the Professor of Religion, Politics and Ethics at the University of Nottingham where he also directs the Centre of Theology and Philosophy. Milbank previously taught at the University of Virginia and before that at the University of Cambridge...
. London: Routledge, 2003 - (ISBN 0-415-30525-X) - Culture and the Thomist Tradition: After Vatican II, Tracey Rowland. London: Routledge, 2003 - (ISBN 0-415-30527-6)
- Truth in the Making: Knowledge and Creation in Modern Philosophy and Theology, Robert Miner. London: Routledge, 2003 - (ISBN 0-415-27698-5)
- Philosophy, God and Motion, Simon OliverSimon OliverSimon Oliver is the writer of the Wildstorm comic book series Gen¹³ and the Vertigo comic book series The Exterminators and Hellblazer Presents: Chas - The Knowledge.-Biography:...
. London: Routledge, 2005 - (ISBN 0-415-36045-5) - The Possibility of Christian Philosophy: Maurice Blondel at the Intersection of Theology and Philosophy, Adam C. English. London: Routledge, 2007 - (ISBN 0-415-77041-6)
- The Radical Orthodoxy Reader, John MilbankJohn MilbankAlasdair John Milbank is a Christian theologian and the Professor of Religion, Politics and Ethics at the University of Nottingham where he also directs the Centre of Theology and Philosophy. Milbank previously taught at the University of Virginia and before that at the University of Cambridge...
, Simon OliverSimon OliverSimon Oliver is the writer of the Wildstorm comic book series Gen¹³ and the Vertigo comic book series The Exterminators and Hellblazer Presents: Chas - The Knowledge.-Biography:...
(eds). London: Routledge, 2009 - (ISBN 0-415-42513-1)
See also
- Postmodern ChristianityPostmodern ChristianityPostmodern Christianity is an outlook of Christianity that is closely associated with the body of writings known as postmodern philosophy. Although it is a relatively recent development in the Christian religion, some Christian postmodernists assert that their style of thought has an affinity with...
- Paleo-orthodoxyPaleo-OrthodoxyPaleo-orthodoxy is a broad Christian theological movement of the late 20th and early 21st centuries which focuses on the consensual understanding of the faith among the Ecumenical Councils and Church Fathers...
- Neo-orthodoxyNeo-orthodoxyNeo-orthodoxy, in Europe also known as theology of crisis and dialectical theology,is an approach to theology in Protestantism that was developed in the aftermath of the First World War...
- New MonasticismNew MonasticismNew Monasticism, or Neomonasticism, can refer either to a modern movement within Evangelical Protestant Christianity modelled on a monastic way of life in a contemporary context or a movement within Roman Catholicism to expand the way of life of traditional monastic communities to lay...
- Radical Christianity
External links
- Radical Orthodoxy Online: Collection of resources
- Radical Orthodoxy Bibliography: Bibliography related to Radical Orthodoxy (both pro- and con)
- The Centre of Theology and Philosophy: an outgrowth of the Theology Department of the University of Nottingham
- The Radical Orthodoxy Project, First Things