Speaking of God: Theology, Language and Truth

In this theological tour de force D. Stephen Long addresses a key question in current theological debate: the conditions of the possibility of God-talk, along with attending questions about natural theology, fideism, and theological truth-claims. He engages not only the most significant contemporary theologians and philosophers on this score (Denys Turner, Bruce Marshall, Charles Taylor, Fergus Kerr) but also the legacy of twentieth-century theology (Barth, von Balthasar) and the analytic philosophical tradition from Wittgenstein to Davidson. Throughout, Long sustains a careful exegetical engagement with Aquinas, showing that what s at stake in contemporary theology is just how we inherit St. Thomas. / Central to Long s project is averting the charge of fideism so often laid at the feet of postliberal approaches (like his own). To that end Long argues for a (chastened) natural theology, while challenging any simple distinction between natural and confessional theology. / In joining these many voices into one conversation, Long does a remarkable job of surveying the current theological scene with respect to issues of language and truth, arguing for the need to deal head-on with classical questions of metaphysics. . . . An excellent and significant book. James K. A. Smith / Calvin College / Long s discussion of the topic of God and language offers a refreshingly original treatment of traditional approaches. His book cannot be ignored by anyone interested in this topic at any level. John Milbank / University of Nottingham