Theology and the Public

Book excerpt: Hans W. Frei’s groundbreaking achievement in theological hermeneutics, Christology, and theological method has made possible new alternatives in contemporary theology, and has become a key impetus to the emergence of postliberal theology also known as the “Yale School.” Much discussion has taken place since the publication of The Eclipse of Biblical Narrative in 1974, and his work continues to generate intense debate among his proponents, critics, and sympathetic observers. One of the key questions in this conversation is whether Frei’s work signals a sectarian flight from the public world at large to a private enclave in the intratextual world of biblical narrative. Unfortunately, his critics have misinterpreted his thought and failed to recognize that the notion of the public is a pivotal feature of his theology. Therefore, the aim of this book is to debunk common misunderstandings of his project by showing that Frei maintains a sustained and robust commitment to the public world. This book demonstrates the public character of Frei’s thought by examining the major foci of his work, theological hermeneutics, Christology, ecclesiology, and theological method. It begins with an introductory chapter on postliberal theology with special attention to the criticism of sectarianism, followed by a study of Frei’s constructive proposals in relation to the church, society, and academy.