Tradition and Apocalypse: An Essay on the Future of Christian Belief

Christians have been divided by their faith and have developed their Christian confession with astonishing energy. David Bentley Hart critiques the concept of tradition as fundamentally incoherent and offers a new explanation of Christian tradition as the apocalyptic revelation of a history that is identical with the eternal truth it discloses. He shows that Christian tradition is sustained not simply by its preservation of the past but by its anticipation of the future, offering a compelling portrayal of a living tradition held together by apocalyptic expectation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2022
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

In the span of two thousand years since the time of Christ, Christians have experienced a profound divide within their faith, often oscillating between unity and discord, contention and communion. Throughout this time, the contents of Christian confession have undergone an astonishing evolution, reflecting the dynamic nature of their beliefs. While believers hold onto a faith that has been passed down through generations, they must also acknowledge the historical contingencies that have shaped both their doctrines and divisions.

In his insightful essay, David Bentley Hart challenges the prevailing notion of tradition within Christian thought, arguing that it is fundamentally incoherent. He presents a compelling alternative perspective on Christian tradition, one that aligns with the essence of Christianity as both a revealed creed rooted in historical events and an apocalyptic revelation of an eternal truth. Hart demonstrates that Christian tradition is not merely sustained by its preservation of the past but is propelled by its anticipation of the future. He paints a vivid portrayal of a living tradition held together by the apocalyptic expectation of the promised transformation of all things in God.

Hart begins by critiquing the traditional understanding of tradition, which he sees as rooted in a misreading of the New Testament. He argues that the concept of tradition as a static and unchanging transmission of beliefs is contrary to the dynamic nature of Christianity. Instead, Hart proposes that tradition should be understood as a living and evolving tradition, shaped by the historical events and experiences of the Christian community.

According to Hart, Christian tradition is not merely a historical record of what has been believed and practiced in the past. It is rather a dynamic and living tradition that is continually being shaped by the ongoing revelation of God in history. This revelation is not limited to the written Scriptures but encompasses the entire history of the Christian community, including its struggles, triumphs, and failures.

Hart argues that the essence of Christian tradition lies in its anticipation of the future. He sees the future as a time of transformation and redemption, when all things will be brought into conformity with the will of God. This apocalyptic expectation is the driving force behind Christian tradition, providing believers with a sense of hope and purpose in the midst of a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain.

Through his compelling portrayal of a living tradition held together by apocalyptic expectation, Hart offers a fresh perspective on the nature of Christian faith. He challenges the notion that tradition is merely a static and unchanging transmission of beliefs and instead presents it as a living and evolving tradition that is shaped by the ongoing revelation of God in history. He invites believers to embrace this dynamic tradition, recognizing its power to bring hope, healing, and transformation to the world.

In conclusion, David Bentley Hart's essay on the nature of Christian tradition is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between faith and history. He challenges the traditional understanding of tradition and presents a compelling alternative perspective that aligns with the essence of Christianity as a living and evolving tradition shaped by the apocalyptic revelation of God in history. Through his vivid portrayal of a living tradition held together by apocalyptic expectation, Hart offers believers a renewed sense of hope and purpose in the midst of a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 211 x 141 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780801039386