Apocalyptic and the Future of Theology

Synopsis: Ernst Käsemann famously claimed that apocalyptic is the mother of Christian theology. J. Louis Martyn's radical interpretation of the overarching significance of apocalyptic in Paul's theology has pushed Käsemann's claim further and deeper. Still, despite the recognition that apocalyptic is at the core of New Testament and Pauline theology, modern theology has often dismissed, domesticated, or demythologized early Christian apocalyptic. A renewed interest in taking apocalyptic seriously is one of the most exciting developments in recent theology. The essays in this volume, taking their point of departure from the work of Martyn (and Käsemann), wrestle critically with the promise (and possible peril) of the apocalyptic transformation of Christian theology. With original contributions from established scholars (including Beverly Gaventa, Stanley Hauerwas, Robert Jenson, Walter Lowe, Joseph Mangina, Christopher Morse, and Fleming Rutledge) as well as younger voices, this volume makes a substantial contribution to the discussion of apocalyptic and theology today. A unique feature of the book is a personal reflection on Ernst Käsemann by J. Louis Martyn himself. Endorsement: "Many Pauline scholars have long recognized the importance of Martyn's apocalyptic reading of Paul's gospel in Galatians, while some view it as the sine qua non of accurate work on Paul. But questions then arise: where should interpreters go after Martyn? What other interpretative trajectories need to be engaged? And how should the apocalyptic reading be teased out further? This collection is an array of vigorous responses to these questions, whose diversity indicates the debate will certainly continue, and whose depth suggests the conversation will be rich and significant." --Douglas A. Campbell, Associate Professor of New Testament, Duke Divinity School "In conversation with the groundbreaking work on New Testament apocalyptic by Louis Martyn, this excellent collection of essays illuminates the current challenging contours of apocalyptic theology. Bringing together New Testament scholars and Christian theologians, this is an important, compelling book not to be missed." --Travis Kroeker, Professor of Religious Studies, McMaster University "This is as distinguished a collection on the relation between apocalyptic and theology as can be imagined. If the whole is more than the sum of its parts, each essay makes a decisive contribution to figuring a relation that is profoundly constructive and generative. The collection represents a fitting tribute to the pioneering work of the biblical scholar Louis Martyn." --Cyril O'Regan, Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame Author Biography: Joshua B. Davis (PhD, Vanderbilt) has been Visiting Assistant Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has taught courses for the Loyola University (Chicago) Institute for Pastoral Studies. His research and writing interests include modern Roman Catholic theology, Continental philosophy, and the doctrines of grace, creation, and divine and human agency. Douglas Harink is Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Professor of Theology at The King's University College in Edmonton, Canada. He is the author of Paul among the Postliberals (2003) and 1 & 2 Peter (2009) in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible, and the editor of Paul, Philosophy and the Theopolitical Vision (2010) in the Theopolitical Visions series published by Cascade.