Progress in Theology: An Introduction

This introductory chapter starts with a brief exploration of the debate on the roots of contemporary climate change in order to highlight the continuing relevance of theology. This then leads to a consideration of theology’s contested status as an academic discipline, especially in relation to the scientistic charge that theology does not (like the sciences) make any progress. Indeed, many theologians themselves seem hesitant to adhere to progress as an ideal or norm for their discipline. These observations elicit the twofold agenda of this book: investigating whether epistemic progress is being made in theology and exploring theology’s task to critically reflect on progress as an overarching cultural ideal. In light of this, the set-up of the volume is explained and an overview of the individual contributions is provided. The chapter ends with an acknowledgements section.