Word-Spirit Communal Revelationalism
The Brethren-Evangelical Theological Epistemology of Dr. J. Allen Miller (1866–1935)
- Theology
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2022
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Publisher's Description
This work first examines the theological streams of influence that constitute Brethren theology--Anabaptism and Radical Pietism--with particular focus given to key thinkers and leaders. It then explores the nuances of what came to be American Fundamentalism and Protestant Liberalism of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, which provide important context to the thought of J. Allen Miller (1866-1935), a central Ashland Brethren theologian of that period. Miller's theology demonstrates sympathy with both poles of the theological spectrum but remains distinct as a thoughtful mediation between these two extremes. Miller's theological approach, termed "Word-Spirit Communal Revelationalism," consists in his particular theological epistemology and biblical hermeneutics. When Miller's theological witness moves into conversation with American evangelicalism, it proves helpful for the Ashland Brethren as they engage with the contemporary American evangelical landscape. His witness assists Brethren and other American evangelicals in offering a corrective to several pathologies or distortions identified within American evangelicalism. His theological method assists the larger American evangelical movement with tools for mediation over against polarization.
Endorsements (3)
“Barnhart’s critical analysis of the thought of J. Allen Miller, the leading theologian of the Brethren Church during the first third of the twentieth century, reveals Miller’s unique but faithful explication of Brethren thought. Miller’s theological methodology modeled a third, mediating way amid the polarized theological terrain of classical liberalism and fundamentalism that also offers insights for traversing our own polarized landscape in the twenty-first century.”
“American religious history often takes its most surprising turns in the stories of smaller denominations, which both echo larger themes and complicate prevailing dichotomies. Such is the case with the Ashland Brethren, whose European ancestors harmonized Anabaptism and Radical Pietism . . . . Through his examination of Miller’s Word-Spirit synergy and conservative-progressive dialectic, Brethren theologian Jason Barnhart may offer contemporary readers a ‘blessed middle way’ between twenty-first century polarities.”
“This work is Barnhart’s expression of Brethren history and theology for a new generation. Besides its usefulness to the Brethren tradition, this book sheds light on Anabaptism and Evangelicalism at a time when both movements are receiving increasing attention and critique. The epistemology of Word and Spirit in Christian community should be appealing to anyone who wants to move beyond traditional polarities to embrace the full resources of the Christian faith.”
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