Critical theory is an approach that seeks to critique and expose the structures of society. In Biblical Critical Theory, Christopher Watkin exposes and critiques society through the narrative of scripture. At over 600 pages (28 chapters), it’s safe to say that Watkin’s approach, if not comprehensive, is very thorough. He begins with the triune God at creation and travels through the biblical narrative until the eschaton.

Watkin eschews the false dichotomies of late-modernist culture. Our culture is trained to think in binary modes—either this or that, here or there. Watkin writes:

The danger of thinking in dichotomies and placing yourself on one side of them is that you become shaped by what you oppose and hate. (20)

Rather than this-or-that, Watkins approaches culture with an eye to diagonalization. For example, rather than choosing sides between love and justice, Watkins diagonalizes these dichotomies by the revelation of the God who abounds in love and faithfulness (17). This approach is maintained throughout many of the cultural conflicts explored. While this (Hegelian?) approach brings proper nuance to difficult situation, it sometimes feels forced.

It’s clear that Watkins has a profound command of philosophical and theological thought. He cites Hart, Kierkegaard, Weber, Lewis, and O’Donovan with ease, bringing the perspective of a host of thinkers to bear on the argument at hand.

My only significant critique of Biblical Critical Theory is an omission from the biblical narrative. He spends two chapters on the incarnation, a chapter on Jesus’ life, two on the cross, one on resurrection, then skips to the church with barely a nod to the outpouring of the Spirit. Surely there is cultural critique to be found in the radically democratizing gift of the Spirit! You might counter by saying, ‘but that’s just your pentecostal perspective speaking.’ Perhaps. Watkin acknowledges our situatedness, of which neither he nor I (nor you) are exempt:

All views are views from somewhere, and for a human being to aspire either to a view from nowhere or a view from everywhere is to become blind to one’s own situatedness and to overreach towards a dangerous cultural totalitarianism. (366)

Biblical Critical Theory is a thoughtful, philosophically informed look at culture through the normative narrative of scripture. This book would provide ideal fodder for a thoughtful Christian book club or small group.

Watkin, Christopher. Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture. Zondervan Academic, 2022.