Edward Schillebeeckx and Hans Frei: A Conversation on Method and Christology

Albert Y.S. Chu is a pastor in Edmonton.

What is the relationship between theological method and experience? Does
one’s experience affect the choice of method or does the theological
method that is employed affect the experience? This is the central
question Marguerite Abdul-Masih, a professor of theology, attempts to
answer in her book.

In dealing with this issue, the author clearly puts forward three
interconnected propositions: (i) that theological reflection influences
theological method (what one believes about the doctrine of revelation
and God’s activity will unavoidably shape one’s attitudes toward
experience and determine how it is to be used); (ii) that one’s
attitude toward experience and its use will in turn shape subsequent
theology (thus, the relationship between method and subsequent
theological discourse is circular); and (iii) that experience is itself
contextual, since context influences the choice of the most appropriate
method to be used (therefore, there is plurality of methods).

In illustrating this circular character of experience in theology, she
considers the question of Christology. In particular, she compares two
theologians, Edward Schillebeeckx and Hans Frei, who represent this
tension in contemporary theology concerning the issue of experience.

The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 centres on Frei’s
approach to the question of the role of experience in theology and
method, while Part 2 concerns Schillebeeckx’s understanding. For both,
the author provides a brief biographical introduction followed by an
in-depth analysis of how each understand the doctrine of revelation,
biblical hermeneutics, and Jesus. In Part 3, the differences between how
Schillebeeckx and Frei view the role of experience in theological
method, which in turn affect their theology or Christology, is
illustrated.

The book is carefully organized, with excellent summaries in each
chapter and in every section. It is, however, not intended to provide an
introduction to a deeper understanding of theological methodology.
Instead, those seeking to come to a clearer understanding of the
theology of Schillebeeckx, Frei, or contemporary theological methodology
may find this book to be a worthwhile read.