Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Theology Compromised: Schleiermacher, Troeltsch, and the Possibility of a Sociological Theology

How might an understanding of the relationship between social transformations and the development of Christian ideals inform new theological work? Reflecting on this question, Robinson and Kuehn examine the works of Friedrich Schleiermacher and Ernst Troeltsch in relation to church institutions in Germany in the nineteenth century. Review Theology Compromised: Schleiermacher, Troeltsch, and the Possibility of a Sociological Theology, by Matthew Ryan Robinson and Evan F. Kuehn, is a gem of a book--small, finely crafted, and valuable. This book should inform any discussions of theological method in both precincts favorable and hostile to theology. It provides a powerful, if underdeveloped, paradigm for theological reflection with both historical sanction and reasoned justification.-- "Reading Religion"For the innovative (and much misunderstood) turn-of-the-century German theologian, Ernst Troeltsch (1865-1923), 'compromise' in theology did not mean 'selling out' to contemporary cultural mores, but sensitively and critically assessing how the Christian tradition, in all its complexity, could best respond prophetically to the pressing questions of the day. Moreover, it could not do this, according to Troeltsch, without understanding its own particular social and political locations, and the pressures arising from them. It is a pleasure to see this crucial element in Troeltsch's thinking assessed afresh for today in this book by Robinson and Kuehn, and particularly to have available for the first time in English Troeltsch's uniquely important essay on the social theology of Schleiermacher. In a growth period for new 'political theologies' in the West, Troeltsch's historic insights repay new reflection.--Sarah Coakley, University of Cambridge and Australian Catholic UniversitySociology and social theory are without a doubt constitutive for the understanding of the Christian faith, its dogmatic concepts and narratives and its everyday practice. Hence, it is the outstanding and innovative achievement of Robinson and Kuehn to offer their excellent expertise on Schleiermacher and Troeltsch not only for their historical understanding but to open highly innovative perspectives on our ongoing cultural, social, and political transitions.--Cornelia Richter, University of BonnAt least since the 1990s, theologians have been suspicious of sociology and social theory. Yet in this short and striking book, Matthew Ryan Robinson and Evan F. Kuehn revive what they view as the sociological heartbeat of all theology, presenting Ernst Troeltsch as the pacemaker who has kept it going from the past to the present. Required reading for anyone interested in theological methodology.--Ulrich Schmiedel, University of EdinburghHow relevant is sociology for a theological understanding of church and doctrine? This provocative little book offers a new perspective on Schleiermacher and Troeltsch by connecting their contributions to contemporary social theory.--Hans Joas, Humboldt University of Berlin About the Author Matthew Ryan Robinson is a research associate in the Protestant Theological Faculty of Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn. Evan F. Kuehn is theological librarian and adjunct lecturer in philosophy at Trinity International University.