The Radical Orthodoxy Reader presents a selection of key readings in the field of Radical Orthodoxy, the most influential theological movement in contemporary academic theology. Radical Orthodoxy draws on pre-Enlightenment theology and philosophy to engage critically with the assumption and priorities of secularism, modernity, postmodernity, and associated theologies. In doing so it explores a wide and exciting range of issues: music, language, society, the body, the city, power, motion, space, time, personhood, sex and gender. As such it is both controversial and extremely stimulating; provoking much fruitful debate amongst contemporary theologians.
To assist those encountering Radical Orthodoxy for the first time, each section has an introductory commentary, related reading and helpful questions to encourage in-depth understanding and further study.
Acknowledgements About this Reader Part 1: What is Radical Orthodoxy? Introduction Oliver 1. Radical Orthodoxy: a conversation Shortt 2. ‘Postmodern Critical Augustinianism’: A Short Summa in Forty-two Responses to Unasked Questions Milbank Part 2: Theology and Philosophy, Faith and Reason Introduction 3. Truth and Vision Milbank 4. Duns Scotus: His Historical and Contemporary Significance Pickstock Part 3: Theology and the Secular Introduction 5. Spacialisation: the middle of modernity Pickstock 6. Political Theology and the New Science of Politics Milbank Part 4: Christ and Gift Introduction 7. Christ the Exception Milbank 8. The Schizoid Christ Ward Part 5: Church and Eucharist Introduction 9. Thomas Aquinas and the Quest for the Eucharist Pickstock 10. The Ontological Scandal Ward Part 6: Politics and Theology Introduction 11. "A fire strong enough to consume the house:" The Wars of Religion and the rise of the nation state Cavanaugh 12. Materialism and Transcendence Milbank Afterward: The Grandeur of Reason and the Perversity of Rationalism: Radical Orthodoxy’s First Decade Milbank
Biography
John Milbank, Simon Oliver
'The Radical Orthodoxy Reader is destined to become an indispensible resource for anyone who would understand this significant movement. The Introduction by Oliver and Afterword by Milbank frame the essays in the Reader in the most helpful way. They help us understand at once the development of Radical Orthodoxy and its future. Hopefully this book will be read not only by those already acquainted with Radical Orthodoxy but also those who want to better understand what this movement is about.'- Stanley Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics, Duke University, USA
'The movement launched in the past decades as 'radical orthodoxy' can be especially daunting, yet Simon Oliver’s lucid introductions to each grouping of exemplary essays by John Milbank, Catherine Pickstock, and Graham Ward, complemented by 'further reading' and leading questions, makes the entire archive accessible to probing students of theology—a singular and novel achievement.' - David Burrell, Hesburgh Professor Emeritus in Philosophy and Theology, University of Notre Dame, USA
'This excellent new reader on the Radical Orthodoxy movement provides discerning editorial introductions by Simon Oliver to the various selected essays, as well as bibliographic suggestions for further relevant reading in historical sources. Far from being a volume for the already converted, this collection supplies the perfect means for an informed, critical discussion of RO and its ongoing philosophical implications... A first-rate teaching tool.' - Sarah Coakley, University of Cambridge, UK
