Theology’s Public Mandate in a Siloed World
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: On the basis of its own criteria, Michael Mørch’s attempt to validate systematic theology as a “rationally justified public discourse” within the modern university succeeds on the basis of its own criteria. However, I question whether the proposal is comprehensive enough to account for the reality and truth addressed by theology and the discipline’s inherently public nature. Thus, I offer an alternative, more expansive understanding of public discourse drawing on three thinkers: Charles Taylor, for a richer sense of realism; Paul Tillich, for a more comprehensive view of truth; and David Tracy, for a more robust notion of publicness. I conclude by arguing that theology has a mandate, on inner theological grounds, to establish and sustain public arenas, especially in a time when public discourse of all kinds is increasingly being threatened across a range of domains, including the academy.
Source: Zygon®
DOI: 10.16995/zygon.26753
Author: Lois Malcolm
Institution: Luther Seminary
Language: English
Subfield: Philosophy
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,630
OpenAlex ID: W7124418636
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