Papers by John McClean
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Institute of Health Sciences. J.R. was a full-time employee of GSK and is a GSK share holder. P.S... more Institute of Health Sciences. J.R. was a full-time employee of GSK and is a GSK share holder. P.S. has acquired grant support (for the institution) from Piramal. In the past 2 years, he has received consultancy/speaker fees (paid to the institution) from Biogen and Roche (Diagnostics). He is PI of studies with Probiodrug and EIP Pharma. S.V. receives research support from the Memorabel program of ZonMw (the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development), Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., and the Alzheimer's Association.
This paper presents some reflections on how Christian theological anthropology can guide clinical... more This paper presents some reflections on how Christian theological anthropology can guide clinical medical care.
This article offers a review of Evangelical Theology, a single volume Systematic Theology recentl... more This article offers a review of Evangelical Theology, a single volume Systematic Theology recently published by Michael Bird. It notes some of the general strengths of the volume in it’s style, scope and methods. The ‘theme’ of ET is that theology must done from the gospel. While this is a strength, the essay offer an assessment of Bird’s definition of ‘the gospel’ and suggests that the volume would benefit from an equally explicit theological emphasis which makes it clear that theology is determined by God. The essay then turns to several theological loci in ET which merit extended comment, noting areas of strength as well as areas which are undeveloped or problematic. His discussion of revelation and Scripture, covenant theology and justification are frustrating, since in each case he offers interesting suggestions but also makes unsubstantiated sweeping assertions to develop positions which are unclear or idiosyncratic or both.
For full detail of edition of SBET see http://j.mp/SBET2015Spring
Based on material from J. A. McClean, From the Future: getting to grips with Pannenberg's thought... more Based on material from J. A. McClean, From the Future: getting to grips with Pannenberg's thought Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2013.
“Of covenant and creation: a conversation between Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology”.
Th... more “Of covenant and creation: a conversation between Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology”.
This essay is a study in the relationship between Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology. Biblical Theology is a post-critical discipline which seeks to elucidating the themes of Scripture in its own terms, with a focus on redemptive-historical development. Systematic Theology is concerned with conceptual coherence and seeks to speak more contextually. The tension between the two disciplines is noted and seven models for the relationship between the two are considered. The essay then takes the idea of a “covenant of works” as a point of discussion between the two disciplines. The classic presentation of the “covenant of works” is given and the reasons for its place in Reformed Theology are reviewed. It is argued that the “covenant of works” is a second order doctrine, though it has some biblical grounding. Biblical Theology both supports aspects of the classic view in yet also challenges it. The elements of support and challenge are reviewed and discussed. It is concluded that the covenant of works remains a viable Systematic Theological proposal, and that responding to Biblical Theology will modify and enrich the Systematic presentation. In turn Systematic Theology raises important questions for Biblical Theology. This suggests an approach for the ongoing conversation between to the two disciplines. They should not be collapsed into each other, but should be kept in close interdisciplinary dialogue and be brought together in theological interpretation of Scripture and theological ethics.
International Journal of Systematic Theology
Pannenberg's thought makes a constant appeal to 'anticipation', and this concept depends on a met... more Pannenberg's thought makes a constant appeal to 'anticipation', and this concept depends on a metaphysical proposal, temporalized essentialism, which includes an account of eternity as simultaneity of all history in God. This view of eternity has been both applauded and criticized. This article considers Pannenberg's account of the body of the exalted Christ who is in eternity. Pannenberg affirms the resurrection of Jesus, but has no account of the nature of Jesus' resurrected body. He emphasizes the church as the body of the exalted Christ, but describes this body as lacking particularity. His account of the Eucharist does not have any place for Christ's corporeal presence or for participation in Christ's exalted body. His account of the return of Christ is oriented to the revelation of the glorified unity of all reality in Christ. The reason that Pannenberg has no account of the body of Christ is due to his conception of eternity, a conception which differs markedly from that of Paul. The Pauline heavenly realm is part of the creation, and thus has a spatio-temporal relationship to the earthly realm as well as having a spatio-temporal dimension in itself. Pannenberg's conception of eternity is that it is outside of the created realm and has no spatial dimension. Douglas Farrow argues that a theology that lacks an account of the exalted body of Christ fails to have a proper account of the redemption of humanity and creation, and it seems Pannenberg's view is open to this criticism.
Reformed Theological Review, The, Jan 1, 2009
Books by John McClean
Commendations 'John McClean makes Pannenberg accessible without being simplistic, sympathetic wit... more Commendations 'John McClean makes Pannenberg accessible without being simplistic, sympathetic without avoiding criticism. From the Future is more than a survey of Pannenberg and his reception. It places Pannenberg in context and leads us into the world of his thought with a fascinating narrative.' Michael Horton, Westminster Seminary California 'John McClean's lucid and thought-provoking account of Pannenberg's work provides a great service to evangelical teachers and students; for to come to grips with Pannenberg's thought (as readers of this book surely will) is to come to grips with the whole matter of proclaiming Christ in the contemporary world. This is an invaluable work.' Michael Jensen, Moore College, Sydney 'This new book on Pannenberg's theology is the fruit of a long and intense engagement with the rich and complex thought of a seminal modern theologian. It is a reliable and very readable survey.'
Book Chapters by John McClean
We Believe is a series of eight major studies of the Christian faith’s primary doctrines as confe... more We Believe is a series of eight major studies of the Christian faith’s primary doctrines as confessed in the Nicene Creed and guided by the Reformed tradition. The series is edited by John McClean and Murray Smith. The Series Introduction provides an invitation to confessional theology. It outlines the goals and approach of the whole series and includes brief reflections on the significance and relations between biblical, systematic, and practical theology.
Uploads
Papers by John McClean
This essay is a study in the relationship between Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology. Biblical Theology is a post-critical discipline which seeks to elucidating the themes of Scripture in its own terms, with a focus on redemptive-historical development. Systematic Theology is concerned with conceptual coherence and seeks to speak more contextually. The tension between the two disciplines is noted and seven models for the relationship between the two are considered. The essay then takes the idea of a “covenant of works” as a point of discussion between the two disciplines. The classic presentation of the “covenant of works” is given and the reasons for its place in Reformed Theology are reviewed. It is argued that the “covenant of works” is a second order doctrine, though it has some biblical grounding. Biblical Theology both supports aspects of the classic view in yet also challenges it. The elements of support and challenge are reviewed and discussed. It is concluded that the covenant of works remains a viable Systematic Theological proposal, and that responding to Biblical Theology will modify and enrich the Systematic presentation. In turn Systematic Theology raises important questions for Biblical Theology. This suggests an approach for the ongoing conversation between to the two disciplines. They should not be collapsed into each other, but should be kept in close interdisciplinary dialogue and be brought together in theological interpretation of Scripture and theological ethics.
Books by John McClean
Book Chapters by John McClean
This essay is a study in the relationship between Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology. Biblical Theology is a post-critical discipline which seeks to elucidating the themes of Scripture in its own terms, with a focus on redemptive-historical development. Systematic Theology is concerned with conceptual coherence and seeks to speak more contextually. The tension between the two disciplines is noted and seven models for the relationship between the two are considered. The essay then takes the idea of a “covenant of works” as a point of discussion between the two disciplines. The classic presentation of the “covenant of works” is given and the reasons for its place in Reformed Theology are reviewed. It is argued that the “covenant of works” is a second order doctrine, though it has some biblical grounding. Biblical Theology both supports aspects of the classic view in yet also challenges it. The elements of support and challenge are reviewed and discussed. It is concluded that the covenant of works remains a viable Systematic Theological proposal, and that responding to Biblical Theology will modify and enrich the Systematic presentation. In turn Systematic Theology raises important questions for Biblical Theology. This suggests an approach for the ongoing conversation between to the two disciplines. They should not be collapsed into each other, but should be kept in close interdisciplinary dialogue and be brought together in theological interpretation of Scripture and theological ethics.