There are many things I am thankful for this year, one of which is a book I recently read: Christopher Watkin’s Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture. When this book came out in 2022, I was hesitant to read it for a number of reasons. First, I was not familiar with the author, as he is a professor of French studies in Australia rather than a pastor or theologian. Second, the title made me wonder a bit about its contents as there has been a lot of discussion and debate about “critical theory” in the past few years – much of it not overly helpful. And finally, it’s a thick book – over 600 pages!
However, as I heard people talk about the book and the various honors it received – such as The Gospel Coalition naming it the 2022 Book of the Year in the category of Public Theology and Current events, I decided I should read it. Because of its length and the subject matter, it took me a while to get through it. It was worth it, though, because it offered me many insights. I’m thankful I decided to read it and wanted to share why I’m thankful for it.
What the Book Is About
This book is a challenging one to categorize and describe because it essentially does two things that Watkin had not seen other authors do in one book. The first thing it does is explore the storyline of the Bible from creation to the fall into sin, the flood, the patriarchs, the exodus, the kingdom of Israel, the exile of God’s people, the work of Jesus, the early church, and the end of time described in Revelation. This exploration notes how these moments (as well as other parts of the Bible that do not directly describe this storyline, such as the wisdom books) teach important theological truths. Its discussion, however, does not remain in what the text means in its original context because it then notes how these insights of Scripture contrast and challenge contemporary thoughts. For example, Watkins explores the origin of sin in Genesis 3 and then relates that to topics of democracy and justice. Thus, the second thing he does is show how the Bible affects the way we approach every area of life, including cultural and societal discussions.
Watkin calls this “biblical critical” theory in that it does what “critical” theories do – dig beneath the surface of various cultural ideas – but with a different lens in its evaluation – that of the biblical narrative. It is not critical of the Bible (like other “critical methods” are”), but rather uses the Bible and the ideas found in it to be critical of other ideas out there, showing their flaws and how the Bible offers a better narrative.
Why I Loved It
The length of this book as well as its subject matter might scare many readers away, and I don’t think it is a book that every single person can or should read. That said, the book’s audience was not just academics and professors, as Watkin sought to write for educated laypeople. Thus, if you have interest in exploring how the biblical narrative speaks to various cultural issues, I would encourage you to pick it up and read it yourself because it has a breadth and depth of thought that is rare. I believe you will garner new insights into the significance of the biblical narrative and problems with many contemporary thoughts. It may also help you pick up a way of thinking and evaluating ideas in the world, not only as you feast on its thoughts, but also use this method to help feed yourself in the future.
Knowing that not everyone will read it (and even if you decide to read it, it will still take you some time to get through it!), I wanted to pass along some of the key insights I gleaned from this book. However, I should note that I am just scratching the surface and that a full reflection on the book would require many additional posts!
One of the primary points that Watkin makes and then utilizes throughout the book is what he calls “diagonalization.” What he means by this term is that the ideas we find in the Bible often do not reduce to the “either/or”s that we often find in culture, which also too often create false dichotomies and distort the truth. Instead, he argues the concepts taught in the Bible (e.g., the Trinity) link the different views together in a way that doesn’t compromise either side and also does not fit closely with the images sketched out by either side, creating something of a third way that ends up challenging the cultural narratives on both sides. For example, Watkin talks about the various views in the world on freedom, that we are either determined to do things by our natures or that we are completely free, and then shows how the reality of God’s sovereignty and our responsibility seen in the Bible melds these truths together in a different way. Another example of “diagonalization” is how the resurrection connects the tendencies for cynicism (that nothing can change) and idealism (that we can change everything). The term “diagonalization” may have been coined by Watkin, but he does not claim the concept is original to him but rather something Christians have been discussing through the ages.
Another key theme in the book is the contrast between what he calls a “n” and a “u” shaped view of God. The “n” shaped view of life (which most people have and is present in all other religions) is that you do something and then God rewards you for it. It begins with your work (like a “n” on the bottom) then moves up to God, and then back down to you (the other side of the “n”). However, the Bible teaches a “u” shaped way of relating to God. This starts with God promising things and doing things, then moves to our response (the bottom of the “u”) which then goes back up to God in response. The “n” view seeks to earn God’s favor while the “u” view focuses on God’s grace. I thought this contrast was both a helpful way of explaining this vital truth of the Christian faith – and a key difference from other views. I’m thankful for Watkin’s explanation, but even more thankful for the truth it conveys. It reminds me that I am called to live a life of thankfulness for what God has done for me in Christ.
I’m thankful for this book, but even more thankful for God’s grace and the truths that Watkin explores!
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