Crypto-theology? Isn’t That An Oxymoron?
May 4, 2008After all, the purpose of theology is to ’say a word about God’ so if it’s ‘hidden-speech’ doesn’t it deny it’s very reason for being?
Anyway, that aside, Matthew Malcolm has a great blog of that title (and we must have a word about that, Matthew). He’s a student at Nottingham U. in the U.K. so he probably knows lots of English people including James Crossley and Chris Tilling and maybe even NT Wright. I’ve added it to my feed reader and if he proves himself worthy I might even add him to the blogroll. Maybe. Perhaps. 
Ahh thanks for taking a look. Hmm the most famous theology-type person I know here in the UK would have to be Anthony Thiselton - who is a humble, warm and friendly Christian, as well as being a great scholar… if only more people had that mix! Unfortunately after that, my acquaintance with well-known theologians takes a nose-dive!
What I’m trying - perhaps awkwardly - to get at with “crypto-theology” is the fact that although Jesus is truly the risen Lord, he is not yet recognised as such by the world: He is, in a sense, “hidden” by the shame of the cross. But, of course, what appears to the world to be a message of shame is to us the word of life.
Anyway, I look forward to keeping track of your blog, and I’ll do my best to behave myself so that I might be in with a chance of making it onto that blogroll!!
I’m there too and I’ve never heard of N.T. Wright. Unless he’s that walking dead saint who is famous in America
I’ve heard of Thiselton but I have to confess that I’ve not read anything by him (that I recall). What would you recommend as an entry into his core thought?
I plan on reading his commentary on 1 Cor. this summer.
Thiselton has a few main areas: Hermeneutics, Christian Philosophy, and New Testament are perhaps the most prominent. In terms of Hermeneutics, his recent book “Thiselton on Hermeneutics” is a massive collection of his most important published essays spanning the last 30 years, complete with current reflections on their significance. He’s also currently writing a new textbook on Hermeneutics (having written a couple before). In terms of Christian Philosophy, his little “Encyclopaedia of Christian Philosophy” is a very useful summary of the most significant movements and thinkers. But for me, his best book is his commentary on 1 Corinthians. This represents careful conservative scholarship that is thorough and sensitive. Don Carson calls it the best commentary on the Greek text of 1 Corinthians; Chris Tilling says it’s the best commentary on any Pauline book ever!… People do get carried away, perhaps, but I think it’s a great commentary… certainly the one that’s been most influential for myself. Hope this helps!
Thiselton’s NIGTC 1 Corinthians is also an excellent free weight for your aerobics training, JIm. But pair it with G.K. Beale’s NIGTC Revelation so you keep your arm development symmetrical.
Seriously, Thiselton’s NIGTC 1 Corinthians is an awesomely in-depth commentary.