James links institutional identity, pride, and boundary markers to theology's turn toward doctrine over practice.
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Professor of New Testament studies traded his traditional Evangelical faith for one that is much more authentic and relevant.
In this episode, we talk to Dr. James F. McGrath about a new book he’s just published with Eerdmans: Beyond Deconstruction — Building a More Expansive Faith. It’s a very easy reading book which is quasi-autobiographical: not because it tells his life story, but instead because he draws on personal experiences as he unpacks what he’s learned.
Just like us and our listeners, James has moved far away from the Evangelical worldview he had many years ago, before the cognitive dissonance and unanswered or poorly answered questions began to overwhelm him. One thing he said during our conversation really impacted me: “Anyone who calls themselves a Christian, especially those who understand theology and historic theology of Christianity, should have a healthy dose of agnosticism. Because it is part and parcel of our theological tradition to emphasize the limits of human language. If you can describe the thing that you are talking about — with perfect accuracy — using human language, then you’re not talking about God, right? You’ve got an idol.”
He’s now set aside many of the aspects of his previous Christian faith which are incongruent with the world he lives in, and feels the faith he has now is much more authentic and relevant. We have much to learn from him.
