View of Confessions and Doctrines
Church confessions and doctrines are potentially restrictive if they prevent believers from actively living out the gospel. Rigid adherence to doctrinal statements can limit the church’s engagement with contemporary issues, emphasizing that faith must be dynamic and responsive to the needs of the present. The church should embody a vision of the future Kingdom of God, where believers actively work towards justice, liberation, and hope in the world. Institutional structures, while important, should not overshadow the church’s mission to embody and proclaim a transformative gospel that connects deeply with humanity’s present struggles and future hopes
Systematic Theology
Jürgen Moltmann, a leading Post-Barthian/German Reformed Theologian chose not to write a traditional systematic theology, as he was fundamentally opposed to creating a comprehensive, authoritative summary of Christian doctrine, like Karl Barth’s Church Dogmatics or Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica. He saw such approaches as “fortress theologies” that established rigid boundaries around theology, potentially limiting the dynamism and exploratory nature of faith. Instead, Moltmann preferred to make what he called “systematic contributions”—a collection of works that address specific theological topics without binding them into a singular, conclusive system. His books such as Theology of Hope, The Crucified God, and The Coming of God serve as in-depth explorations of particular themes, such as hope, suffering, and eschatology, while maintaining an openness to ongoing interpretation and dialogue with contemporary issues.
Moltmann’s approach allowed him to delve into topics like ecology, the nature of the Trinity, and the significance of the cross in ways that directly respond to current social and spiritual questions. This exploratory method was more inclusive and dialogical, enabling others to engage and expand upon his ideas rather than feeling constrained by a fixed doctrinal framework. His contributions have continued to influence theologians worldwide, who appreciate the way Moltmann’s theology encourages active engagement with pressing issues while preserving the evolving nature of Christian thought and community life.
This approach reflects Moltmann’s commitment to a theology that remains “on the move,” inviting the church to respond dynamically to the challenges of each era without restricting the richness of the gospel to a static system. His work continues to shape discussions in theology, particularly around themes of hope, justice, and ecological responsibility, making it uniquely suited for readers seeking theology that speaks directly to contemporary contexts.
Moltmann’s approach allowed him to delve into topics like ecology, the nature of the Trinity, and the significance of the cross in ways that directly respond to current social and spiritual questions. This exploratory method was more inclusive and dialogical, enabling others to engage and expand upon his ideas rather than feeling constrained by a fixed doctrinal framework. His contributions have continued to influence theologians worldwide, who appreciate the way Moltmann’s theology encourages active engagement with pressing issues while preserving the evolving nature of Christian thought and community life.
This approach reflects Moltmann’s commitment to a theology that remains “on the move,” inviting the church to respond dynamically to the challenges of each era without restricting the richness of the gospel to a static system. His work continues to shape discussions in theology, particularly around themes of hope, justice, and ecological responsibility, making it uniquely suited for readers seeking theology that speaks directly to contemporary contexts.
