Prolepticism: The Futurist Theology of Ted Peters by Lauri T. Jäntti (review)

Jäntti identifies prolepticism as a central tenet of Ted Peters' thought. Prolepticism is the "fundamental idea that the future has priority over the past and present, and that we can see some of the future in the prolepsis, where the future invades the present in advance of itself " (17). After an introductory chapter, Jäntti divides his analysis into three parts: looking first at how Peters understands prolepticism as it pertains to theology, then subsequently at how it applies to science and, finally, to ethics. Jäntti describes Peters as one who understands theology and science to be partners, both seeking to explain and understand the same reality.

Jäntti's chapter on proleptic theology consists of three sections. The first covers Peters' approach to theology, specifically his assertion that biblical symbols must be reinterpreted to be coherent within the current context. Here Jäntti analyzes Peters' use of postmodernism as the context from which his theology emerges, but Jäntti suggests that perhaps a more accurate reflection of the context Peters describes might be the term holism. Jäntti then moves on to the connection between prolepsis and the future. Prolepticism understands reality as defined by the future rather than by the past. In this sense, God acts to pull from the future, rather than to push from the past. This idea leads to the final section of the chapter—creation. Peters understands creation as a continuous process, whereby God creates from the future. Additionally, humans are understood as created co-creators who can shape the future. Peters believes that the act of creation is an ongoing process, which enables an understanding of creation that is coherent with science, rather than in conflict with it.

In the chapter on the relationship between prolepticism and science, Jäntti begins with an historical overview of how the relationship between science and theology has been understood. He then moves to looking at Peters' understanding of how the two are related. Rather than being in conflict, Peters understands science and theology to be partners, each attempting to explain the same reality. However, the confirmation of that reality will come only in the future.

The final chapter covers the role prolepticism plays in ethics. Jäntti contends that Peters advocates for humanity's role in changing the world for the better. Proleptic ethics are founded on small glimpses of the future Kingdom of God, revealed through the prolepsis in the present. These glimpses help us to make choices which enable the present world to be more consistent with the Kingdom of God. Therefore, humans not only have the right, but also the obligation to make choices that promote good. Jäntti uses Peters' work in genetic research/gene technology as a case study to demonstrate how proleptic ethics can be practically utilized.

While Jäntti's explication of Peters' understanding of prolepticism, as it applies to theology, science, and ethics, is well done, of particular note are the sections where he moves from explication to analysis and critique. For example, Jäntti notes that at times a contradiction exists between Peters' critique of the two-language theory and how he actually uses it. Jäntti suggests that perhaps a redefining of the theory would not only fit with Peters' understanding, but would also resolve the apparent contradiction. Another valuable aspect of Jäntti's writing is his extensive delineation of areas where Peters' thought overlaps and/or draws on the work of others, particularly the work of Wolfhart Pannenberg.

Given that this book began as a dissertation, it is aimed toward those who have a more extensive background in theology. It would serve as an excellent resource for those who want to extend their studies of Peters' theology, proleptic theology, or the dialogue between science and theology. Jäntti assumes a working knowledge of the work of several other theologians, so it would be a difficult read for those...