Theology and ethics

an interpretation of the agenda

James M. Gustafson

pp. 175-196

in: Daniel Callahan, Tristram Engelhardt (eds), The roots of ethics, Berlin, Springer, 1981

Abstract

"That the contemporary theological scene has become chaotic is evident to everyone who attempts to work in theology. There appears to be no consensus on what the task of theology is or how theology is to be pursued. Some see it as the 'science of religion"; others as exposition of the Christian faith; still others as prophetic pronouncement on the conditions of, for example, contemporary American culture (or Western cultural [sic] generally). There are those who are attempting to develop a "non-sectarian" theology which will not be restricted in meaningfulness to any of the great historic religious traditions; others are attempting to exploit theological insights for developing a more profound understanding of human nature; yet others still see theology as primarily a work of the church attempting to come to better understanding of itself."¹