In Chapter 13 of Fortress Introduction to Contemporary Christian Thought, the author questions the nature of the idea of “post-liberalism”.  He talks of conventional “liberal” ideas such as the willingness to cast away traditions in favor of encouraging more open thought.  Although it is true that many often think of the terms “liberal” and “conservative” in a polarizing manner, the true meaning of liberalism is much different.  Liberalism is merely the idea of interpreting Christian theology in the context of the advancing modern thought.  So much of Christianity is tied up with tradition and culture.  I believe it is very important that we keep our minds open and apply the changing times to our interpretation of scripture.  Though it is imperative to remember and respect the past, it is just as important to look to the future.  With the rapid pace of advancement in technology and science, Christians need to keep up and present theology in a similar light so as to reach and be applicable to the greatest number of people.

            The author writes of how liberal thinkers often put less faith in taking scripture at face value.  Instead, they read between the lines and strive to pull out the timeless truths embedded in the passage, disregarding content that may no longer apply.  I am not sure how I feel about this.  While I do think that there is great value in uncovering the true meaning behind certain passages, I think that when the bible is analyzed in this way, the reader will often begin to treat the bible as any other historical document.  We need to remember that the bible is the word of God, and though it was written many years ago, God would not allow His book to be written in a way that loses its purpose, no matter how old it is.  Times may indeed be changing, but the value of scripture is always present regardless of how closely or in what manner it is analyzed.