radical orthodoxy

radical orthodoxy
Name	Radical Orthodoxy
Type	Theological movement
Founder	John Milbank
Origin	University of Cambridge
Separated from	Liberal theology
Practices	Postmodern Christianity, Postliberal theology
Scripture	Bible
Theology	Christian theology, Eastern Orthodox theology
Governance	Episcopal polity
Language	English language
Liturgy	Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
Headquarters	Cambridge
Founder2	Catherine Pickstock
Separated from2	Secular humanism

Radical orthodoxy is a theological movement that emerged in the 1990s, primarily through the work of John Milbank and Catherine Pickstock at the University of Cambridge. This movement is characterized by its critique of secularism and liberal theology, and its attempt to reclaim a more traditional understanding of Christianity in the face of postmodernism and postliberal theology. Radical orthodoxy draws on a wide range of influences, including Eastern Orthodox theology, Catholic theology, and the work of Hans Urs von Balthasar and Karl Barth. The movement has been associated with the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies and the Centre of Theology and Philosophy at the University of Nottingham.

Introduction to Radical Orthodoxy

Radical orthodoxy is a complex and multifaceted movement that defies easy categorization. It has been influenced by a range of thinkers, including Thomas Aquinas, Meister Eckhart, and Jacques Derrida. The movement's key figures, such as John Milbank and Catherine Pickstock, have been shaped by their engagement with continental philosophy and literary theory, as well as their involvement with Anglican and Catholic traditions. Radical orthodoxy has also been influenced by the work of Stanley Hauerwas and the Duke Divinity School, as well as the Ekklesia Project and the New Monasticism movement.

Historical Context and Development

The historical context of radical orthodoxy is closely tied to the rise of postmodernism and postliberal theology in the late 20th century. Thinkers such as Jean-François Lyotard and Richard Rorty challenged traditional notions of truth and objectivity, leading to a crisis of confidence in liberal theology. In response, radical orthodoxy emerged as a movement that sought to reclaim a more traditional understanding of Christianity, drawing on the resources of patristics and medieval theology. The movement has been influenced by the work of Vladimir Lossky and the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as the Cappadocian Fathers and the Desert Fathers.

Key Theologians and Thinkers

Radical orthodoxy has been shaped by a range of key theologians and thinkers, including John Milbank, Catherine Pickstock, and Graham Ward. These thinkers have been influenced by a wide range of sources, including Hans Urs von Balthasar, Karl Barth, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The movement has also been influenced by the work of Rowan Williams and the Archbishop of Canterbury, as well as the Pope Benedict XVI and the Catholic Church. Other key figures associated with radical orthodoxy include William Cavanaugh and the Duke Divinity School, as well as James K.A. Smith and the Calvin College.

Core Principles and Beliefs

The core principles and beliefs of radical orthodoxy are centered on a traditional understanding of Christianity, drawing on the resources of patristics and medieval theology. The movement emphasizes the importance of liturgy and sacraments, as well as the role of tradition and authority in shaping Christian practice and belief. Radical orthodoxy also emphasizes the need for a more incarnational understanding of Christianity, one that takes seriously the embodiment of God in Jesus Christ. The movement has been influenced by the work of Henri de Lubac and the Nouvelle Théologie movement, as well as the Resourcement movement and the Communio journal.

Criticisms and Controversies

Radical orthodoxy has been subject to a range of criticisms and controversies, including charges of elitism and exclusivism. Some critics have argued that the movement is too closely tied to Anglican and Catholic traditions, and that it fails to engage adequately with Protestant and Evangelical perspectives. Others have criticized the movement's emphasis on tradition and authority, arguing that it can lead to a lack of creativity and innovation in Christian practice and belief. The movement has also been influenced by the work of George Lindbeck and the Yale Divinity School, as well as the Robert Jenson and the Center of Theological Inquiry.

Influence and Impact

The influence and impact of radical orthodoxy can be seen in a range of areas, including theology, philosophy, and literary theory. The movement has been associated with the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies and the Centre of Theology and Philosophy at the University of Nottingham, as well as the Duke Divinity School and the Calvin College. Radical orthodoxy has also influenced the work of James K.A. Smith and the Desiring the Kingdom project, as well as the New Monasticism movement and the Ekklesia Project. The movement's emphasis on incarnational Christianity and liturgical practice has also influenced the development of Emerging church and Missional church movements, as well as the work of N.T. Wright and the Anglican Communion.

Category:Christian theology