Modern Theology and Biblical Criticism C.S. Lewis

Modern Theology and Biblical Criticism
C.S. Lewis


The undermining of the old orthodoxy has been mainly the work of divines engaged in New Testament criticism. The authority of experts in that discipline is the authority in deference to whom we are asked to give up a huge mass of beliefs shared in common by the early Church, the Fathers, the Middle Ages, the Reformers, and even the nineteenth century. I want to explain what it is that makes me skeptical about this authority. Ignorantly skeptical, as you will all too easily see. But the skepticism is the father of the ignorance. It is hard to persevere in a close study when you can work up no prima facie confidence in your teachers.

Are Christians Monotheists in Their Practical Life?

Its been some time since I posted, ironically before the holidays.  But, i'm back in the saddle to amuse, entertain, and confound mostly myself of this blog.  So no more delay.

I was laying in bed tonight wanting to get some sleep and I kept thinking about a trinitarian theology of justice (I realize that's strange but its perfectly normal for me).  So rather than lay there fretting over it I decided to get up and look at one of the locus communis on this topic The Trinity by Karl Rahner.  One caveat before I go any further.  If you are new to the Christian faith or still learning about the faith I don't recommend Rahner as a source. Rather than Rahner drop me a line and i'll provide you with other sources.  As I was reading away I came across something interesting he said and it got my attention viola! a blog post was born. 

So here is what Rahner had to say.

“Despite their orthodox confession of the Trinity, Christians are, in their practical life, almost mere ‘monotheists’.  We must be willing to admit that, should the doctrine of the Trinity have to be dropped as false, the major part of religious literature could well remain virtually unchanged”.  

“We may hope that any material could be pressed into service in the attempt to destroy once and for all the false conception that a ‘speculative’ doctrine of the immanent Trinity may perhaps be conceivable today, that it is a completely idle and irrelevant undertaking, possessing neither spiritual nor religious interest to the modern Christian and theologian”

Now I am curious, does anyone believe this might be true?  I will even settle for a feeling.  Does anyone feel that there is a possible hint of truth here?  And the reason I ask is quite legitimate.  From my perspective, as I look around at Churches today especially contemporary evangelical types, I do see Rahner's thesis being demonstrated practically.  Now I am not saying that contemporary evangelicals are self consciously Modern in their theology.  But, I do get the impression they view the trinity as "something we we believe" but not to be central to or inculcated in the life of the church.

Am I being too harsh?  It's not intentional.  I raise this question out of genuine concern.  Moreover, I believe many of the ecclesial problems evangelicals experience today can be answered with a return to a healthy understanding of the ontological trinity.  What says you?