What Is Rhetorical Theology?: Textual Practice and Public Discourse - Softcover

Compier, Don H.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1563382903 ISBN 13: 9781563382901

Publisher: Trinity Press International, 1999

Synopsis

What Is Rhetorical Theology? covers the tradition of classical rhetoric, especially as practiced by the Roman orators. It considers the appropriation of this heritage in Augustine's On Christian Doctrine and the influence that important work had on Christian theology in the West. After describing how modern scholarship has tended to view rhetoric with deep suspicion, the book summarizes the retrieval of persuasive discourse in many academic disciplines and the influence of this movement on contemporary theologians such as David Tracy, David Cunningham, and Rebecca Chopp.In addition, What Is Rhetorical Theology? offers it own constructive proposal, that is, it argues that the theological task today may be described as rhetorical hermeneutics. With the help of literary critics such as Steven Mailloux and Jane Tompkins, the author develops a practical and "interested" approach to the interpretation of classical Christian texts, thereby allowing them to speak to our contemporary concerns.The book also presents an epistemological defense of the rhetorical approach to reading as a middle way between objectivism and relativism, a section that serves as a helpful introduction to current debates about postmodern thought. Finally, the book illustrates the rhetorical method by applying it to a doctrine of sin in the form of a constructive dialogue between critical theory and the Christian theological past.Don H. Compier is Associate Professor of Theology at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific and a member of the core doctoral faculty of the Graduate Theological Union.

About this title

About the Author

Don H. Compier is Associate Professor of Theology at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific and a member of the core doctoral faculty of the Graduate Theological Union.

Review

"Compier's commitment to helping a broader audience deepen its understanding of rhetoric is the driving force behing his new book..."—Church Divinity School of Pacific (Church Divinity School Of Pacific)

"...attentive and invaluable look at the issue of classical rhetoric and its impact on contemporary theology...will guide readers to better grasp what contemporary theologians and writers intend when they use rhetorical methods to interpret scriptural texts...a helpful guide to the burgeoning field of rhetoric as a mode of theological interpretation."—David Neil Mosser, as printed in The Clergy Journal, October 2000 (David Neil Mosser Clergy Journal)

"...well-written and interesting argument for rhetorical hermeneutics and would provoke debate among professional theological students." —Paul Lakeland, Fairfield University, reviewing for Religious Studies Review, January 2001 (Paul Lakeland Religious Studies Review)

"The book is reader-friendly, but stimulating, and Compier calls for action rather than reflection." — Choice, May 2000 (CHOICE)

"The book is clearly written and well-argued. It makes a solid contribution to the growing number of recent studies on Barth, who has been receiving much attention lately... Opens up the possibility for comparable readings in the legacy of biblical interpretation within Christian theology and suggests how such readings could make a potentially rich contribution to contemporary theology."— Lois Malcolm, Luther Seminary, reviewing for Anglican Theological Review (Lois Malcolm Anglican Theological Review)

" This Brief, accessible, and interesting book examines the significance of rhetoric as a conversation-partner in theological method. For readersin the fields of theology, classics, literature, and literary theory, the book serves both as a concise summary for specialists, and as an accessible introduction for advanced students."—David S. Cunningham, Lierature and Theology,Oxford University Press. (David S. Cunningham Literature And Theology (Send Press Release Or Email))

" This is the book that can both introduce an interested, patient reader to the topic as well as provide the specialist with clear exposition of the most significant points. That is a remarkable accomplishment for a volume this small."—Frederick W. Norris, Anglican Theological Review, Spring 2002 (Frederick W. Norris)

"...attentive and invaluable look at the issue of classical rhetoric and its impact on contemporary theology...will guide readers to better grasp what contemporary theologians and writers intend when they use rhetorical methods to interpret scriptural texts...a helpful guide to the burgeoning field of rhetoric as a mode of theological interpretation."—David Neil Mosser, as printed in The Clergy Journal, October 2000 (Sanford Lakoff Clergy Journal)

"...well-written and interesting argument for rhetorical hermeneutics and would provoke debate among professional theological students." —Paul Lakeland, Fairfield University, reviewing for Religious Studies Review, January 2001 (Sanford Lakoff Religious Studies Review)

"The book is clearly written and well-argued. It makes a solid contribution to the growing number of recent studies on Barth, who has been receiving much attention lately... Opens up the possibility for comparable readings in the legacy of biblical interpretation within Christian theology and suggests how such readings could make a potentially rich contribution to contemporary theology."— Lois Malcolm, Luther Seminary, reviewing for Anglican Theological Review (Sanford Lakoff Anglican Theological Review)

Edition details

• Publisher: Trinity Press International
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 1563382903
• ISBN 13: 9781563382901
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 112