Doxology and Theology: An Investigation of the Apostles’ Creed in Light of Ludwig Wittgenstein (American University Studies)

About the Author\nThe Author: Paul Galbreath is Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship at Union Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. He holds a doctor of theology degree in systematic theology from the University of Heidelberg in Germany and a doctor of philosophy degree in biblical studies from Baylor University. He is the author of Leading from the Table.\nThis book, which developed from an understanding of the dialectical relationship between theology and the church, provides information about the function and domain of language in the church through an analysis of its creedal statements. The study begins with an historical investigation of the crisis in linguistic interpretation in the church and theological community. Subsequently, a philosophical framework is presented through an investigation of particularly significant aspects of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s later writings. Following a discussion of the alternative readings of Wittgenstein by theologians, examples are presented for ways in which we can apply Wittgenstein’s linguistic approach to the interpretation of creeds. After distinguishing optional approaches to the creeds, the book presents an understanding of creedal statements in light of Wittgenstein. Reclaiming the functional nature of doxological language within its liturgical context provides a central connection between the language of the church and the actions of its members.