Barry Taylor

I found it actually refreshing to read theology done well in a postmodern...or, as Taylor labels it, "postsecular"...milieu. He discusses thoroughly the issues facing theology in the information and entertainment age, as faith sheds the "garment" of religion, incorporating both classical theological thought such as Bonhoeffer and Schleirmacher, as well as prevalent trends in current theological thought. He spares no critique in doing so, but critiques fairly. His artistic analysis of media expression as informed by a communal and public theology is substantive and well-prepared. There are few topics Taylor does not discuss here, from the phenomenon of celebrity to the problem of fundamentalism. All are addressed well.

Many other volumes that propose a "practical" approach to theology fail to deliver. Taylor does not fall into this trap, because he does not propose a bullet-list of specific strategies. Instead, he calls for an acceptance of the changing theological winds of our time, and a willingness to follow them as the new face of spirituality develops.

If postmodern culture, artistic expression, and the theology done therein lie within your interests, then this book should be placed on your shelf.… (more)