The function of Douglas John Hall's theological anthropology in his theological methodology

Abstract

No theologian can credibly claim to be able to speak on behalf of the whole human race in all places at all times and under all circumstances. In recent years theologians stressed the importance of the particular group. In our day authentic theology is characterised by the need to know the self (chapter 1). Douglas John Hall accepts this and therefore consciously theologises on behalf of those in the dominant culture of the North .American continent. He describes the primary characteristic of the human condition of this group of people as the experience of the failure of their symbolic world. This disintegration is especially felt with regard to the perception of the human being (anthropology) . So, in chapter 2 I focus on Hall's theological anthropological perception of those in the dominant culture of the North .American continent. Hall views the primary task of all disciplines in this context - including Christian theology - in the present time as providing resources of meaning in this world of disintegrating symbols. Consequently, he proposes his theological methodology as such a resource. In chapter 3 I focus on Hall's theological methodology as a means out of this present condition of meaninglessness - due to the disintegration of especially the anthropological symbol - for those in the dominant culture of the North American continent