Theology between Continuity and Discontinuity: An Outline of the Postmodern Theological Method in Lieven Boeve

The Flemish systematic theologian Lieven Boeve is a promoter of serious theological engagement with contextual critical thinking. The aim of this study is to present Boeve's interpretation of the contemporary context of Christianity, which he refers to as Postmodern and consequently point out the challenges posed by Postmodernity toward systematic theology. This includes, on the one hand, a critical evaluation of Modernity as the preceding epoch and, on the other hand, an evaluation of the theological methods which deal with the Modern world (i.e. correlation and anti¬ Modern theology). Finally, there is an analysis of Boeve's attempt to discover a new methodological concept of reciprocity between theology and context which Boeve finds in the theology of interruption. This is a theological method which encourages Christianity to become an open narrative which means both: stressing the Christian particular identity as well as a radical openness toward other religions, worldviews and philosophical thought. This essay is a brief introduction to the work of one important participant in the theological debate regarding Postmodern thinking and the Postmodern situation in general.

Keywords: Method of theology; Postmodernism; Modernity; Fundamental theology; Recontextualization; Interruption