In order for theology to have a cognitive dimension, it is necessary to have procedures for testing and critically evaluating theological models. We make use of certain features of scientific models to show how science has been able to move beyond the poles of foundationalism, represented by logical positivism, and antifoundationalism or relativism, represented by the sociologists of knowledge. These ideas are generalized to show that constructing and testing theological models similarly offers a means by which theology can move beyond confessionalism and postmodernism. Our starting point is Paul Tillich's concept of God as the ground of being and the different levels of consciousness and thinking that accompany his understanding of theology. The ontological argument of Anselm is shown to play a key role, not as a proof for the existence of God but as a means for testing theological models. An example of a theological model, drawn from the domain of philosophy of science, is presented to show how theological models are constructed and tested.
We respond to concerns raised by Langdon Gilkey. The discussion addresses the nature of theological thinking today, the question of truth within the situation of pluralism, the identity and difference between theological models and scientific models, and the proposed methods for testing theological models.
SUBJECTIVITY AND DIVINITY IN BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS Get access David E. Klemm David E. Klemm Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Literature and Theology, Volume 6, Issue 3, September 1992, Pages 239–253, https://doi.org/10.1093/litthe/6.3.239 Published: 01 September 1992
RICOEUR, THEOLOGY, AND THE RHETORIC OF OVER TURNING David E. Klemm David E. Klemm Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Literature and Theology, Volume 3, Issue 3, November 1989, Pages 267–284, https://doi.org/10.1093/litthe/3.3.267 Published: 01 November 1989
Journal Article TOWARD A RHETORIC OF POSTMODERN THEOLOGY: THROUGH BARTH AND HEIDEGGER Get access DAVID E. KLEMM DAVID E. KLEMM David E. Klemm is Associate Professor of Religion at the University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa, 52242 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Volume LV, Issue 3, Fall 1987, Pages 443–472, https://doi.org/10.1093/jaarel/LV.3.443 Published: 01 October 1987