230 - God, Hope, and History: Jurgen Moltmann and the Christian Concept of History

God, Hope, and History: Jurgen Moltmann and the Christian Concept of History
By A. J. Conyers
Macon, Mercer, 1988. 223 pp. $39.95 ($29-95 pb).

This volume, an extended revision of the author's doctoral dissertation, exhibits the characteristic strengths and weaknesses of a critical yet sympathetic survey and analysis of a major figure in contemporary Christian thought. Conyers has provided a good account of Moltmann's theology over the course of its historical development, utilizing the concept of history as his focus. The author does a masterful job of locating Moltmann's work within its social and historical context, and captures the power and pioneering insight of his theology in a gifted manner. This work furnishes an excellent introduction to Moltmann's theology, as well as offering a concise survey of the dynamics of the European theological scene.

The contribution which Conyers's book makes to current theological conversations is less satisfactory. In particular, his effort to rehabilitate the concept of hierarchy from what he contends is its uncritical association with structures and forces of oppression and injustice is unconvincing. In addition, the absence of a critical discussion of Moltmann's understanding of the nature of doctrine, or of religious discourse in general, is unfor

232 - God, Hope, and History: Jurgen Moltmann and the Christian Concept of History

tunate. But perhaps the most troublesome aspect in this regard concerns the author's failure to engage the North American theological context substantively, which is ironic in light of his own observation that "we American observers of European theology are too often satisfied with the role of 'interpreters'--disciples who have learned our lessons and can recite them on this side of the Atlantic, keeping our footnotes in order."

Barry A. Harvey
Baylor University
Waco, Tex.