The "personal Bible" of William Newton Clarke : a study in experiential theology

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the experiential theology of William Newton Clarke as an instrumental case of contemporary postconservative evangelicalism. Relying primarily on Clarke’s Outline of Christian Theology and contemporary statements of postconservative evangelicalism, the study pursues five objectives: (1) To analyze Clarke’s experiential theology as a mediation of the influences of 19th Century liberalism and evangelicalism in an early 20th Century context; (2) To assess Clarke’s Outline as a unique contribution to Christian thought; (3) To compare and contrast Clarke’s experiential theology with contemporary evangelical postconservatives; (4) To evaluate postconservativism as a paradigm case of the movement of modern theology from Dogmatik to Glaubenslehre; (5) To propose adjustments to Clarke’s theology to enhance his personal relevance. The conclusion of the study is that Clarke’s theology fits the distinctives of postconservative evangelicalism, identifying him as an authentic and relevant resource for these Christians.