Radical Theology and Emerging Christianity - Contemporary Theology

In this review of Radical Theology and Emerging Christianity the author examines how deconstructive and materialist strands of continental thought rework Christian practice; the book is best for readers seeking a rigorous, philosophical approach to contemporary religious change. Katharine Sarah Moody traces ideas from Nietzsche, Hegel and Paul through John D. Caputo and Slavoj Zizek to show how radical theology influences everyday faith expressions, making this a strong choice for scholars and informed lay readers interested in the intersection of continental philosophy and emerging Christianity.

Key Features

• Theological turn: Explains the renewed attention to theology within continental philosophy and why that matters for understanding contemporary religion.
• Deconstructive and materialist lenses: Compares John D. Caputo's deconstructive theology with Slavoj Zizek's materialist theology to clarify differing routes through the proposition that God is dead.
• Focus on Paul and political philosophy: Connects the turn to Paul in political thought with radical theological responses, offering readers a political-philosophical angle on religious change.
• Case studies in practice: Uses the work of Peter Rollins and Kester Brewin to demonstrate how radical theology informs emerging Christian practices and communities.
• Contemporary scope: Situates radical theology within current Western religiosity and the emerging Christianity movement for relevant cultural context.

Who It's For

This book suits graduate students, theologians and philosophers who want a sustained, academic discussion of how continental thought reshapes Christian practice; it is particularly useful for those studying deconstruction, materialist theology or the political implications of a Pauline turn. Pastors and faith leaders curious about intellectual currents behind emerging Christianity will find productive case studies and critique.

Readers seeking a devotional, introductory or pastoral handbook should look elsewhere, as the text prioritizes philosophical analysis over practical guidance or accessible lay exposition. Those wanting a primer on emerging church praxis without heavy continental theory may prefer a different, practice-focused title.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear comparative analysis of deconstructive and materialist theological positions illuminates contrasting responses to the death of God.
• Thoughtful case studies of Peter Rollins and Kester Brewin link abstract theory to concrete religious practices.
• Engages political philosophy and Pauline scholarship, broadening the book's interdisciplinary appeal.

Cons

• The emphasis on continental philosophy makes the writing dense and less accessible to readers without prior background in critical theory.

Specifications

Title	Radical Theology and Emerging Christianity
Author	Katharine Sarah Moody
Series	Intensities: Contemporary Continental Philosophy of Religion
Subjects	Radical theology, emerging Christianity, continental philosophy
Key figures discussed	John D. Caputo, Slavoj Zizek, Peter Rollins, Kester Brewin
Approach	Comparative philosophical and practical analysis

Our Verdict

Moody's study is a valuable, well-argued resource for academics and informed readers who want to understand how radical theological thought reconfigures contemporary Christian practice; its interdisciplinary focus on deconstruction, materialism and case studies offers good value for those prepared for a dense, theoretical read.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book focus more on theory or practice?
The book emphasizes philosophical theory while using case studies of practitioners to illustrate practical implications.

Are specific contemporary figures discussed?
Yes; the work examines Peter Rollins and Kester Brewin alongside theorists such as John D. Caputo and Slavoj Zizek.

Is prior background in continental philosophy required?
A working familiarity with continental thinkers will help readers engage fully, as the text is not an introductory primer.