Critique of postliberal political theology in the writings of Stanley Hauerwas, and a proposal for an ecclesial politics of gathering

Abstract

This study provides a critical examination of the characterization "postliberal" as used to describe the theological politics of Stanley Hauerwas. Of particular concern is the overall consistency of Hauerwas' postliberal program from its genesis in his writings in the early 1980's through the 21st century; where such consistency is lacking this study attempts to provide both critical analysis and opportunities for repair.

Through a critical evaluation of Hauerwas' primary sources this study addresses the tension in Hauerwas' writings between sectarian post-liberalism and radical democracy. It then begins the work of offering a means of resolving this tension by recovering an ecclesial ontology of gathering.

Inconsistency in Hauerwas' work will be identified as due in part to his inability to reconcile the distance between politicsas-discipline and politics-as-love.

This study ends by exploring gathering, not simply as another concept, but as the name for the ecclesial paradox between the dichotomies of theology and theurgy, reason and faith, inclusion and exclusion, discipline and freedom, already and not-yet, all of which are analogous to the paradox of a God whose being is gathering (three and one).