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Juergen Moltmann's Public Theology
Abstract
Jürgen Moltmann’s theology has always been characterized by its concern with
questions of political and social life. His political hermeneutic is based upon a
dialectical relationship between the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a
dialogue with the philosophy and social theory of Ernst Bloch and the Frankfurt
School. Theologians such as John Milbank and Arne Rasmusson have criticized
Moltmann’s approach as leading to a pagan captivity of Christian theology, and
suggest instead the creation of a Christian social theory independent of secular
categories. Yet, a proper understanding of Moltmann’s conception of the
“Exodus Church,” coupled with a theory of role of civil society in modern life,
demonstrates that Moltmann’s theology more authentically represents Christian
aspirations with regard to society than the approach of his critics.
questions of political and social life. His political hermeneutic is based upon a
dialectical relationship between the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a
dialogue with the philosophy and social theory of Ernst Bloch and the Frankfurt
School. Theologians such as John Milbank and Arne Rasmusson have criticized
Moltmann’s approach as leading to a pagan captivity of Christian theology, and
suggest instead the creation of a Christian social theory independent of secular
categories. Yet, a proper understanding of Moltmann’s conception of the
“Exodus Church,” coupled with a theory of role of civil society in modern life,
demonstrates that Moltmann’s theology more authentically represents Christian
aspirations with regard to society than the approach of his critics.