Analytic theology and contemporary inquiry

Abstract

Contemporary theology appears to be in a transitional phase that brings with it a search for forms of thought that can support theology’s ongoing work. As a result in part of the institutional alliances that it has formed, analytic theology has emerged as perhaps the most concerted attempt to develop a new form of theological inquiry. Critical evaluation of this form of inquiry is an important task for theologians today. This article takes up this task by attempting to develop a picture of a constellation of principles that shape analytic work, and to suggest that this constellation leaves analytic work best suited to functioning not as an independent or self-sufficient program, but rather as a circumscribed element that is anchored in wider forms of reflection.