Faculty Publications

The Legacy Of Gordon Kaufman: Theological Method And Its Pragmatic Norms

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Anthropology, Culture, Gordon Kaufman, Historicism, Pragmatism, Relativism, Theological method

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Zygon

Volume

48

Issue

3

First Page

533

Last Page

543

Abstract

I argue that the most significant contribution and legacy of Gordon Kaufman's work rests in his theological method. I limit my discussion to his methodological starting point, his concept of human nature, as he develops it in his book, In Face of Mystery. I show the relevance of this starting point for cultural and theological criticism by arguing two points: first, that this starting point embraces religious and cultural pluralism at its center, providing a framework for intercultural and interreligious discussion and cooperation, and second, that Kaufman's interpretation of religion that emerges out of this starting point embodies pragmatic criteria for evaluating and reconstructing alternative cultural and religious worldviews, so that they may function more adequately within the changing contexts of life. © 2013.

Department

Department of Philosophy and World Religions

Original Publication Date

9-1-2013

DOI of published version

10.1111/zygo.12031

Link to Full Text

Comments?

Share

COinS