In "Proposing Theology", John Milbank, one of the most respected theologians of our time, sets out a new agenda for the study of theology in the 21st century. He contends that in modern times a genuine theology has rarely been put forward. This would involve an attempt to articulate a vision that can inform the whole of our thought and culture. Higher education needs to develop a new structure in which the three main strands would be theology, philosophy and literature. Theologians, so Milbank, must study the 'whole' of philosophy not just a 'philosophy of religion' which rests upon a doubtful claim of rational judgment upon faith.Philosophy is not 'foundational' for theology, but neither can theology ever in this life finally supersede the philosophical. All these considerations are shown to apply to practical and political as well as to theoretical concerns: modern political thoughts and practice also rests on debatable theological foundations, which theologians are in a unique position to be able to question.
This book concludes by arguing that a true pedagogic practice must be theological, as this alone offers to students an integrating vision that will not perversely encourage fragmentation and disturbance. A theological vision should be proposed as thinkable and liveable, even though it may be freely rejected.