Kelly M. Kapic - Mapping Modern Theology: A Thematic and Historical Introduction

O ne of the strongest motivators many of us have for writing and editing books comes from teaching. When, after consistently teaching a course, we determine that there is a hole in the literature that leaves our students less than ideally prepared, we are moved to act. Teaching on modern theology over the past decade, I noticed such a need. There are strong books covering modern theology, but they are primarily arranged chronologically and/or around particular theologians or movements. There was no study covering this period that was also arranged around the classic theological loci. One could read books on systematic theology, or on modern theology. But synthesizing the two was a burden often borne by the student. Consequently, I found that students (and even teachers) could tell you about a theologian or movement, but rarely could they adequately trace particular loci through the tumultuous period of the past 150200 years. They had a larger sense of the story of modern theology, but when it came down to specific theological themes, they too often lacked the tools necessary to fully understand the key issues, reactions, and developments that took place. Out of this need Mapping Modern Theology was born. While there is no question that more topics and chapters could be added, we hope that these fifteen chapters will serve studentsof all sortswho have felt the vacuum we sought to fill.

While preparing this volume for publication, one step we added was to test the majority of the material on a set of my students taking an upper division course on modern theology. They read earlier versions of many of the chapters and offered helpful feedback: our hope is that the extra time this took in the production process makes the volume stronger. Special thanks in particular go to former students Matthew Baddorf, Justin Borger, Cameron Moran, and Grady Dickinson who provided even more detailed assistance and feedback. Thanks also to the assistance of librarians John Holberg, Tom Horner, and Tad Mindeman, each providing different forms of support for this project.

We would like to thank the various contributors to this volume. Each was willing to take time out of their demanding schedules to add their voice and skill to this work, showing great grace as they listened to various forms of editorial feedback (including student feedback). Each contributor has shown admirable patience, ability, and insight in the contributions they have made; clearly they are the heart of this volume.

Bob Hosack and the team at Baker Academic deserve special mention. Over countless meals and conversations Bob has proven to be both a conscientious editor and a delightful friend, for which I am deeply grateful. Additionally, the editorial team at Baker has been unfailingly accommodating and productive, helping carry much of the heavy load associated with such a large and complex manuscript.

And what can I say about Bruce? I am so thankful. Through various circumstances, Bruce was a compassionate and timely voice in my life when my mentor Colin Gunton died; for such kindnesses I remain deeply in his debt. In terms of this project, from early on Bruce was a great supporter helping to see this project through. That is saying something given the astonishing scholarly demands that have been on him over these years of preparation. Yet not only did Bruce lend his scholarly skills to this venture, but his friendship proved just as meaningful, especially as my family has faced various health challenges during this period. Thank you, Bruce, for your grace, encouragement, and prayers through these years.

As usual, it was my wife, Tabitha, and children Jonathan and Margot who provided laughter, love, and perspective during the season in which this book was completed. When the waves of challenge and discouragement come, your smiling faces and warm embraces inevitably provide needed hope and rest. You three are so beautiful.

Finally, Bruce and I would like to dedicate this volume to our students, both past and present. They are a living bibliography: their questions, struggles, zeal, and genuine love of the things of God always humble us even as they stir us to press on. Let there be no doubt, they are great gifts to us, and so as a small token of our appreciation we dedicate this volume to them. Thank you for putting up with us, for offering words of encouragement, and for allowing us to be a small voice in your lives.

Kelly M. Kapic