Chapter 4: The Modern Period, c.1750 to the Present
4
The Modern Period, c.1750 to the Present
In this final historical section, we consider the development of Christian theology from c.1750 to the present day. During this period, Christianity underwent significant transformation and expansion outside its traditional European heartlands, while experiencing considerable difficulties and tensions within them. Though Christian theology remained deeply influenced by European and North American writers throughout this period, it gradually became a global phenomenon.
Given the vast expansion and diversification of Christian theological writing, exploration, and debate since about 1750, this survey chapter can do little more than note some important trends and developments. Limitations on space mean that a detailed engagement with everything that needs to be covered to gain a comprehensive overview of theology is quite impossible. We shall, however, try to gain something of a bird's-eye view of the contemporary theological landscape, even if we cannot fill in the fine detail that is needed for many purposes.
We begin by surveying some of the cultural developments that have shaped the environment in which Christian theology has been done in recent centuries. We shall then look at some theologians who have played an important role in shaping contemporary theology, all of whom are still cited and engaged in recent theological discussions. Finally, we consider some of the schools of thought or movements that have emerged as important during this period.