Biblical Critical Theory receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, praised for its ambitious scope, insightful cultural analysis, and biblical approach. Readers appreciate Watkin's ability to connect Scripture with contemporary issues, his concept of "diagonalization," and the book's philosophical depth. Many consider it a groundbreaking work, comparing it to Augustine's "City of God." While some find it challenging due to its length and complexity, most reviewers believe the effort is worthwhile. A few criticisms mention uneven biblical coverage and overcomplicated explanations, but overall, it's highly recommended for those interested in Christian cultural engagement.
The Bible provides a unique lens for cultural critique and engagement
Creation, fall, and redemption form the biblical narrative structure
The Trinity shapes Christian understanding of reality and relationships
Biblical covenants establish a distinctive paradigm of divine-human interaction
The exodus narrative profoundly influences Western political thought
Prophecy offers a model for speaking truth to power and cultural critique
Biblical law and kingship subvert absolutism and promote human dignity
Sin and judgment provide a foundation for equality and democracy
Promise and fulfillment shape biblical temporality and Christian hope
The Bible's figures diagonalize modern dichotomies and false choices
"The Bible offers us a rogues gallery of flawed heroes who lie, steal, commit adultery, covet, hate, kill, and find 1,001 ways not to love God with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength."
Biblical perspective on culture. The Bible presents a multi-lens anthropology that avoids both pessimism and utopianism. It acknowledges human sin and fallenness while affirming human dignity and potential for redemption. This nuanced view allows for constructive cultural engagement that is neither naively optimistic nor cynically dismissive.
Distinctive Christian critique. Biblical cultural critique is characterized by:
Self-critique and humility
Recognition of both good and evil in all human endeavors
A vision of redemption and hope beyond mere criticism
Grounding in an external, divine authority
Concern for justice and the marginalized
"The Bible's storyline from Genesis to Revelation is in terms of the progress of the kingdom of God, understood in the three elements of (1) God's people living in (2) God's place under (3) God's rule and blessing."
Biblical metanarrative. The creation-fall-redemption framework provides a comprehensive lens for understanding reality:
Creation establishes the goodness and purpose of the world
Fall explains the presence of evil and human brokenness
Redemption offers hope for restoration and renewal
This narrative structure shapes Christian ethics, anthropology, and social engagement by:
Affirming the inherent value of creation and culture
Diagnosing the root causes of human and societal problems
Providing a telos (end goal) for human flourishing and cultural transformation
"The Trinity provides thoughtful Christians with a springboard to engage constructively in some of the most important philosophical, political, and social questions of our time."
Trinitarian theology impacts:
Anthropology: Humans are relational beings made in the image of a relational God
Ethics: Love and self-giving are foundational to reality
Politics: Neither individualism nor collectivism, but unity-in-diversity
Epistemology: Knowledge involves personal relationship, not just abstract facts
Practical implications:
Valuing both unity and diversity in society
Promoting reconciliation and mutual submission in relationships
Recognizing the inherent dignity of all persons
Fostering creativity and cultural engagement as reflections of God's nature
"Covenant is part of the overarching biblical figure of gratuity: it is not a market transaction but a superabundant gift."
Covenant vs. contract. Biblical covenants differ from human contracts:
Initiated by God's grace, not human merit
Based on relationship, not just legal obligations
Characterized by superabundant blessing, not mere equivalence
Implications for society:
Promotes a "logic of superabundance" over a "logic of equivalence"
Challenges market-driven approaches to relationships and society
Emphasizes faithfulness, loyalty, and long-term commitment
Provides a model for human relationships and social institutions
"The exodus event functioned as an archetype" and enabled them "to live with the promise of a future when the captives would go free and the righteous would be rewarded."
Exodus as political paradigm:
Liberation from oppression
Establishment of a new social order
Divine intervention in history
Impact on Western thought:
Inspiration for civil rights movements
Basis for ideas of social progress and revolution
Model for critique of unjust political systems
Cautions:
Danger of oversimplifying complex social issues
Risk of justifying violence in pursuit of liberation
Need for nuanced application in diverse contexts
"Biblical prophets have authority without power."
Prophetic critique characteristics:
Grounded in divine authority, not human power
Addresses both rulers and common people
Combines judgment and hope
Includes self-critique
Relevance for today:
Model for responsible journalism and social commentary
Encourages speaking truth to power without seeking power
Promotes accountability for leaders and institutions
Balances critique with constructive vision for change
"The biblical view of kingship undermines any claim to monarchical or state absolutism."
Biblical limitations on power:
Kings subject to divine law, not above it
Prophetic critique of rulers
Universal human dignity affirmed
Implications for political theory:
Basis for separation of powers
Foundation for rule of law
Critique of totalitarianism and authoritarianism
Promotion of human rights and individual dignity
"The understanding that we are all profoundly flawed creatures disposes us more charitably toward one another. Or it can. Taken to heart, it means no one can scorn another from a position of essential superiority."
Biblical anthropology and politics:
Universal human sinfulness as basis for equality
Divine judgment as check on human power
Need for accountability and limited government
Democratic implications:
No individual or group innately fit to rule absolutely
Importance of checks and balances
Value of individual rights and responsibilities
Promotion of humility and mutual respect in public discourse
"Promise and fulfilment stretch and squeeze time, folding distant points so that they sit adjacent to each other, like a baker kneading a batch of dough such that 'a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day'."
Biblical view of time:
Linear progression with purpose, not cyclical or meaningless
Promises create anticipation and shape present action
Multiple levels of fulfillment (historical, Christological, eschatological)
Implications:
Provides hope and motivation for social change
Encourages perseverance in the face of adversity
Shapes ethics and decision-making in light of future fulfillment
Offers critique of both presentism and fatalism
"The Bible diagonalizes those two options with the God who promises to Abram, 'I will make your name great.' He is a God who, while more powerful than Leviathan, loves those under his rule enough to die for them."
Biblical diagonalization:
Transcends false dichotomies in modern thought
Offers nuanced alternatives to reductive choices
Examples:
Freedom and service (exodus)
Justice and mercy (law and gospel)
Individual and community (Trinity)
Universality and particularity (covenant with Abraham)
Cultural engagement:
Challenges oversimplified narratives
Promotes creative problem-solving
Encourages nuanced thinking in ethics and politics
Offers fresh perspectives on entrenched debates