Liberal Theology

Liberal theology refers not to a limited and now outmoded phase of modern theology; rather it is the distinctive feature of modern theology itself, starting with the Enlightenment and continuing to the present time. Criticisms of it by postliberal and radically orthodox theologies can be both appreciated and responded to by arguing for a radical liberalism that goes to the liberality at the root of the Christian gospel, which is simply God—the God who is freedom and gives freedom. Freedom applies to the sources of liberal theology. There is not a single, infallible, immutable source, but a plurality of sources: scripture, tradition, reason, experience, and culture. Interpretation arises from the conflict and interplay of these sources. The norm of all Christian interpretation is the redemption revealed and accomplished in Christ. The article identifies six marks of a liberal theology for today: a free and open theology, a critically constructive theology, an experiential theology, a visionary, spiritual, holistic theology, a prophetic, culturally transformative theology, and a mediating, correlational theology. With these marks, theology is made relevant to the contemporary world and provides resources for church renewal.