Dead Sea Scrolls
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 53, No. 1 – Fall 2010
Managing Editor: Malcolm B. Yarnell III
By Roger E. Olson. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009. 302 pages. Softcover, $24.99.
What might Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Clement have said to one another if they had met in a bathhouse in Rome? Or if Locke, Kant, and Hegel had met in purgatory? As a tool to help his students understand the primary beliefs of important figures in church history (especially their differences), Roger Olson has imagined these conversations and then recorded them in God in Dispute. On a number of levels, Olson succeeds in bringing these figures to life, so to speak, for a wide range of readers not limited to students of theology. Though interesting and entertaining, his approach also creates a number of difficulties.
It is a strange title. Very rarely is God Himself disputed, and not all of the thinkers are Christian. Beyond that, though, the structure of the book is quite refreshing. Olson chooses forty different thinkers, groups them (roughly) by period and issue, putting their beliefs in dialogue. For example, Anselm and Abelard converse about the atonement, Wesley and Edwards about salvation, and Barth and Brunner about natural theology. Because Olson only covers the most basic beliefs of these thinkers—those most documented—there are not too many concerns with the basic content presented. It is an enjoyable way to be introduced to these concepts, and there are no questions as to what Olson wants his readers to know about the thinkers as they repeat their basic beliefs almost robotically throughout the dialogues.
That leads to the primary concern with this book as a teaching tool. In his classes, Olson has the luxury of explaining his interpretations in detail and answering questions. Not so in this book, though he tries to anticipate as many questions as possible in his chapter introductions and analysis.
Olson says he has left subtle clues as to which position he takes personally (some more subtle than others). For example, Tertullian “learns” Irenaeus’ recapitulation theory, the Cappadocians discuss gender relations, Thomas Aquinas talks to the ghost of Francis of Assisi, Calvin and Arminius engage Servetus in heaven, Edwards admits some truth to purgatory, John Toland is sent on an errand from hell, and Kant, Hegel, and Locke make it to purgatory.
All in all, God in Dispute is an enjoyable book that covers a lot of material. Olson casts as wide a net as is reasonable not only on the issues themselves, which extend as far as evangelical theology, liberation theology, and postmodern theology, but also the conversation participants. (Baptists will appreciate Grebel, Hubmaier, and Henry appearing in various chapters). Olson’s humor will keep even the most cynical student engaged. But readers and teachers who might consider using this book as a teaching tool need to be aware that Olson’s personal beliefs come into play throughout.
