Fortress Press

"When we hear 'radical' in the context of theology today, we oftentimes hear an implied rejection of theology as theology, turning it instead into something like sociology, gender studies, or religion. Ingolf U. Dalferth makes the case in his Radical Theology that this kind of move is both unnecessary and inhibitive. Theology is by itself always already radical because it is oriented toward that which calls us beyond ourselves and our myopic worlds and into the newness of radical love. The radicality of theology is implicit in its object, which is God's creative, Trinitarian action in the world."

"Ingolf U. Dalferth's Radical Theology is an independent outline of hermeneutical theology. He recalls the radical insights of Bultmann and Heidegger, which are today in danger of being forgotten to the detriment of theology. Dalferth shows a way out of the dead end into which the theological mainstream is moving. The path shown by Dalferth, goes beyond the analysis of religion as a phenomenon of human culture, to arrive at theological knowledge. Thus, what is actually at issue in theology is clarified: not a hermeneutics of religion, but the understanding of God, not the 'idea of God,' but God himself.  A relevant, and for precisely that reason, a necessary book." 

"Radical Theology provides a fresh perspective on the development of hermeneutical theology in the latter part of the twentieth Century. It illustrates some of the key points of interaction between phenomenology and theology.  It shows how hermeneutical theology is radical theology and, as such, intensely relevant to our contemporary theological situation. And, not least, it argues for hermeneutical theology to be understood as fully and properly theological by virtue of the centrality of the question of God. As such, hermeneutical theology is more than a sub-section of cultural studies and more than an exercise in subjective self-understanding: it is confronting the question as to what God can mean for us as creator and redeemer and how our life is transformed when brought into dialogue with the revelation of God. No passing phase, hermeneutical theology remains an integral part of any serious theology that would be true to its name."

"Ingolf Dalferth's Radical Theology is 'radical' in the best sense of the word—returning to the root of theology. Although his text admirably serves as an introduction to theological hermeneutics, it is his positive contribution to understanding what radical theology is all about that makes it so distinctive. Dalferth shows us that theology is not one science among many but is all about what is possible. While employing scientific methodologies is perfectly appropriate, what makes theology 'radical' is that it is grounded in faith, which represents a new perspective and a way of life that focuses on the Creator. All in all, a remarkable achievement."