The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical-Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology – Kevin J. Vanhoozer
1. Full Citation
Vanhoozer, K.J. (2005) The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical-Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press.
2. Introduction
Kevin Vanhoozer’s The Drama of Doctrine proposes a groundbreaking theological method by fusing doctrinal theology with dramatic and literary theory. He argues that Christian doctrine should be seen not merely as abstract propositions but as “theodramatic directives” guiding the church’s performance of Scripture. This canonical-linguistic approach reframes doctrine as the church’s script within the grand drama of redemption, aiming to revitalise theology for both church and academy. This review evaluates the book’s innovative method, intellectual depth, and implications for theological education and ecclesial practice.
3. Author Background and Credentials
Kevin J. Vanhoozer is a leading evangelical theologian and professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). He holds a PhD from Cambridge University and is known for integrating biblical hermeneutics, postmodern philosophy, and systematic theology. His work has significantly shaped contemporary theology, particularly within evangelical and Reformed traditions, through books like Is There a Meaning in This Text? and Faith Speaking Understanding.
4. Summary of Contents
Vanhoozer develops his argument in three major acts, mirroring the structure of dramatic performance:
- Prolegomena: Theology as Drama
- Argues for a shift from epistemology to performance, and from propositions to participation.
- Proposes theology as “theodrama”—a divine play in which the church is both actor and audience.
- Doctrine as Dramatic Direction
- Introduces the canonical-linguistic method, which views Scripture as a script interpreted communally through doctrine.
- Explores how doctrines such as Trinity, Christology, and eschatology function as guiding roles for Christian performance.
- Ecclesial Performance and the Director’s Role
- Discusses the role of the Holy Spirit, theologians, and ministers as directors, helping the church faithfully improvise Scripture in each cultural setting.
- Emphasises theological ethics, spiritual formation, and communal discernment.
Each section draws from literary theory, biblical theology, and ecclesiology to argue that doctrine should shape lived, embodied witness.
5. Critical Evaluation
a. Coherence and Argumentation
The argument is rigorously coherent, creative, and deeply interdisciplinary, blending theology, philosophy, and the arts. The theatrical metaphor is sustained with theological and exegetical integrity.
b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution
Vanhoozer’s method is radically original, offering a third way between postliberal narrative theology and traditional propositional systems. His notion of doctrine as “direction for performance” has redefined the field of practical theology.
c. Evidence, Sources, and Method
He engages with theologians (Barth, Lindbeck, Aquinas), literary critics (Ricoeur, Gadamer), and Scripture, crafting a canonical-linguistic methodology that prioritises the unity and authority of the biblical canon as interpreted through the church’s theological tradition.
d. Style and Accessibility
The writing is dense and academic, demanding close reading. While intellectually rich, it is best suited to graduate-level readers and theological practitioners.
e. Limitations and Critiques
Critics argue that Vanhoozer’s model, while theoretically robust, may lack practical clarity for local church implementation. The metaphor of drama, though helpful, risks overextension. Some also critique the underdeveloped treatment of ecclesial authority structures.
6. Comparative Context
Vanhoozer responds to:
- George Lindbeck’s The Nature of Doctrine – narrative-centered but more relativist
- Hans Frei and postliberal theology – narrative-focused but less doctrinal
- Traditional Reformed theology – doctrinally rigorous but propositional
This book bridges Reformed confessionalism and narrative theology, proposing an alternative to both overly cognitive and overly experiential models.
7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance
Relevant to systematic theology, hermeneutics, ecclesiology, liturgical theology, and theological education, especially for those seeking to reform how doctrine is taught, embodied, and lived out.
8. Reflection or Practical Application
Vanhoozer calls readers to embody theology through faithful improvisation. Doctrine becomes a guide for how the church enacts the gospel story—ethically, liturgically, and missionally. The metaphor challenges Christians to live as active participants in God’s redemptive drama.
9. Conclusion
The Drama of Doctrine is a landmark work in theological method, offering a robust and imaginative rethinking of doctrine’s role in church life. Vanhoozer shows that theology is not just something to be believed, but something to be performed with faithfulness and creativity.
Recommended for: Seminary students, theologians, church leaders, and educators seeking a revitalised approach to doctrinal theology.
10. Other Works by the Same Author
- Faith Speaking Understanding – A shorter, more accessible follow-up.
- Is There a Meaning in This Text? – Foundational work on hermeneutics.
- Pictures at a Theological Exhibition – Essays on theology and imagination.
- The Pastor as Public Theologian (with Owen Strachan)
11. Similar Books by Other Authors
- Hans Frei – The Eclipse of Biblical Narrative
- George Lindbeck – The Nature of Doctrine
- N.T. Wright – The New Testament and the People of God
- John Webster – Holy Scripture: A Dogmatic Sketch
12. References (only if external works are cited)
- Lindbeck, G. (1984) The Nature of Doctrine.
- Barth, K. (1932–68) Church Dogmatics.
- Ricoeur, P. (1981) Hermeneutics and the Human Sciences.
- Wright, N.T. (1992) The New Testament and the People of God.