Speaking of God: Theology, Language and Truth

Central to Long's project is averting the charge of “fideism” so often laid at the feet of “postliberal” approaches (like his own). To that end Long argues for a (chastened) natural theology, while challenging any simple distinction between “natural” and “confessional” theology.

“In joining these many voices into one conversation, Long does a remarkable job of surveying the current theological scene with respect to issues of language and truth, arguing for the need to deal head-on with classical questions of metaphysics. . . . An excellent and significant book.”— James K. A. Smith / Calvin College

“Long's discussion of the topic of God and language offers a refreshingly original treatment of traditional approaches. His book cannot be ignored by anyone interested in this topic at any level.”— John Milbank / University of Nottingham

In this theological tour de force D. Stephen Long addresses a key question in current theological debate: the conditions of the possibility of "God-talk," along with attending questions about natural theology, fideism, and theological truth-claims. He engages not only the most significant contemporary theologians and philosophers on this score (Denys Turner, Bruce Marshall, Charles Taylor, Fergus Kerr) but also the legacy of twentieth-century theology (Barth, von Balthasar) and the analytic philosophical tradition from Wittgenstein to Davidson. Throughout, Long sustains a careful exegetical engagement with Aquinas, showing that what's at stake in contemporary theology is just how we inherit St. Thomas.

Central to Long's project is averting the charge of "fideism" so often laid at the feet of "postliberal" approaches (like his own). To that end Long argues for a (chastened) natural theology, while challenging any simple distinction between "natural" and "confessional" theology.