Analytic Theology and the Academic Study of Religion

Analytic theology can flourish in the secular academy, and flourish as authentically Christian theology. Analytic Theology and the Academic Study of Religion explains analytic theology to other theologians and scholars of religion, while simultaneously explaining those other fields to analytic theologians. William Wood defends analytic theology from some common criticisms, but also argues that analytic theologians have much to learn from other forms of inquiry. Analytic theology is a legitimate form of theology, and a legitimate form of academic inquiry, and it can be a valuable conversation partner within the wider religious studies academy. Analytic Theology and the Academic Study of Religion articulates an attractive vision of analytic theology, fosters a more fruitful inter-disciplinary conversation, and enables scholars across the religious studies academy to understand one another better.

William Wood, Fellow and Tutor in Theology, Oriel College, University of Oxford

William Wood is Fellow and Tutor in Theology at Oriel College, University of Oxford. He is the author of Blaise Pascal on Duplicity, Sin, and the Fall: The Secret Instinct (Oxford University Press, 2013).

Part I: Introduction
1. The Value and Distinctiveness of Analytic Theology
2. Three Theological Objections: History, Mystery, Practice
3. Analytic Theology In The Religious Studies Academy
Part II: Foundations
4. Why Do They Write That Way? Analytic Philosophy and its Discontents
5. What is Analytic Theology?
Part III: Theological Analytic Theology
6. A Theology of Analytic Reason
7. How to Avoid Idolatry
8. The Real Trouble With Ontotheology and Univocity
9. On "Theistic Personalism"
10. Analytic Theology as a Spiritual Practice
Part IV: Analytic Theology and the Academic Study of Religion
11. Inquiry and Argument in the Secular Academy
12. Naturalism as Metaphysics, Reduction Without Fears
13. The Hegemony of Critique
14. Analytic Theology as Rigorous Appreciation: On Normative Inquiry in the Academic Study of Religion
Conclusion: Analytic Theology After the Postsecular
Bibliography