http://www.whitehorseinn.org/

At about the 25:00 minute mark of this week's episode, Michael Horton interviews your old prof, Roger Olson. I thought you might enjoy it.

Thanks for posting that. Not being a Calvinist, I'm not a regular listener to The White Horse Inn, though I do catch it on the radio here on occasion.

Roger Olson is another one of those really nice guys. It's a good thing those Calvinists didn't try to hurt him. Roger's not a very big guy at all, but I knew he could do well in any discussion of theology. He never did strike me as the sort who liked debate, though. He's more of the "Let's all get along nicely" camp.

I think this can be seen especially clear in his new book, which should be out in October. It's titled "Reformed and Always Reforming: The Postconservative Approach to Evangelical Theology." I'll give him free advertising here to anyone interested in this sort of issue. I'm basically of the same approach to theology as Olson, though I only had him for one course and I can't really say that he has influenced me all that much (the class I had him for was just a basic "Christian Worldview" class). So those of you who are confused about why I claim to be an "evangelical" yet have views that might be slightly different than what you're used to, just read Olson's new book when it comes out and it will shed more light on my own views.

Here is a link to more info on it: Reformed and Always Reforming: The Postconservative Approach to Evangelical Theology

Oh, what the heck... I'll just post the book info here and e-mail Roger to tell him to give me a few bucks for the advertising.

Quote:

Reformed and Always Reforming: The Postconservative Approach to Evangelical Theology Author: Roger E. Olson Edition: Paperback Price: 19.99 Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 Number of Pages: 240 Series: Acadia Studies in Bible and Theology Publication Date: Oct. 07 Status: Fall 2007 Description: As Roger Olson notes in his Introduction, this volume has a simple but controversial thesis: "It is possible to be more evangelical by being less conservative." Just as some have made a similar case with regard to social ethics, Olson intends to do the same for theology. He suggests that postconservative evangelicalism is less a defined movement than a "mood" or "style of doing theology"--characterized chiefly by a certain openness of mind that allows for the reconsideration of received tradition (without allowing that tradition to predetermine doctrinal correctness). Among the theologians who illustrate that approach are John R. Franke, Stanley Grenz, Nancey Murphy, Clark H. Pinnock, Kevin J. Vanhoozer, and Miroslav Volf. Olson suggests that postconservative evangelicals emphasize the transformative nature of an encounter with God rather than the idea of propositional revelation. In successive chapters, he develops related themes such as the importance of narrative theology, the encounter with postmodernism, and the task of revisioning theology. Scholars and clergy alike will find here an original study that provides an insightful account of contemporary postconservative evangelical theology, its creative and influential adherents, and their multifaceted approaches to theological reflection. About the Series: The Acadia Studies in Bible and Theology series, sponsored by Acadia Divinity College, offers critical assessments of the major issues that the church faces in the twenty-first century. Authored by leading authorities in the field, these studies provide readers with requisite orientation and fresh understanding to enable them to take part meaningfully in discussion and debate. Author Information: Roger E. Olson (PhD, Rice University) is professor of theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University. He is a prolific author whose volumes include The Story of Christian Theology and The Mosaic of Christian Belief. He is also coauthor of 20th-Century Theology. Endorsements: "Roger Olson has become a major interpreter of American evangelical theology and an advocate of a postconservative approach. What we have lacked is a clear guide to this perspective within evangelicalism. In his new book, Olson sets forth a genuinely evangelical theology that rejects modernity and fundamentalism. His focus on a personal relationship with Christ over propositions and the need to continually revise theology in light of the Word of God are important corrections to conservative evangelical tendencies. Anyone interested in a truly gospel-oriented theology will benefit from engaging with his arguments."--Alan G. Padgett, professor of systematic theology, Luther Seminary, editor of the Journal for Christian Theological Research (www.jctr.org) "'Evangelicalism' has been described as a set of corrective theological emphases. Roger Olson, in this book, describes how among postconservative evangelicals such an impulse for reform has continued right up to the present. Privileging a style that is open and generous, these theologians have valued transformation over information and have put narrative before proposition. One can only applaud."--Robert K. Johnston, Fuller Seminary, coeditor of The Variety of American Evangelicalism "Roger Olson's newest book provides an excellent overview of the recent (and ongoing) methodological and material debates among 'evangelical' theologians. I place this adjective in scare quotes because, as Olson demonstrates, it has so often been used by 'conservative' theologians as a label to be reserved for those whose speech and writing conform to a particular early modern way of formulating Christian doctrine. Olson not only explains the historical and political issues that contributed to the current situation in evangelical theology, he also offers resources for a 'postconservative' approach to theology that always maintains its commitment to the ongoing reformation of the church and its proclamation of the gospel."--F. LeRon Shults, professor of systematic theology, Agder University (Norway), coauthor of Transforming Spirituality "'Postconservative theology' sees itself as holding onto evangelicalism's theological heart but shedding its modern baggage and reactionary tendencies. Roger Olson's 'apologia' sketches the lines of influence and distinction between conservative and postconservative evangelical theology and pleads for his side's ways of reflecting on the Christian faith. Whether or not you agree with the movement or even the label, the thinkers he cites in these pages are a serious force worthy of respectful engagement."--Telford Work, associate professor of theology, Westmont College "No one has done more to make the term 'postconservative theology' part of the evangelical lexicon than Roger Olson. In this book he provides a description and critical assessment of the developments related to this postconservative style of thinking along with a robust defense of its principles and intuitions in response to its more conservative critics. Anyone looking for a clear and authoritative overview of the current trajectories and future possibilities of this approach to evangelical theology would be well advised to start here."--John R. Franke, professor of theology, Biblical Seminary, author of The Character of Theology

Thanks for posting that. I'll have to check out Olson's new book. Michael Horton and the WHI panel are pretty irenic when it comes to presenting their views as well as those held by others.