On Good and Bad Theology

Abstract

Despite the challenges posed by contextual relativism, it is both possible and necessary to distinguish between better and worse theologies — and doing so matters academically, ecclesially, and in the political and ethical life of the world. This article acknowledges the postmodern challenge before identifying two forms of technical failure: theology that violates rational discourse, and theology severed from its own recognised sources. Beyond the technical, good theology is characterised by humility and openness to questioning and correction; any theology that forecloses such questioning is, by that fact, impoverished. Bad theology can be identified by its effects — its tendency to harm, to serve existing power structures uncritically, and to silence other voices. Reflexivity is proposed as a key criterion of adequacy. Finally, the article develops the concept of productive theology: rooted in Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience, oriented towards human flourishing, and generative of genuine questions — a matter primarily of method and attitude, and thus compatible with deep faithfulness to the tradition.