Postliberal theology

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Postliberal theology (often called narrative theology) is a Christian theological movement that focuses on a narrative presentation of the Christian faith as regulative for the development of a coherent systematic theology. Thus, Christianity is an overarching story, with its own embedded culture, grammar, and practices, which can be understood only with reference to Christianity's own internal logic.^[1]

The movement became popular in the late twentieth century, primarily among scholars associated with Yale Divinity School.^[2] Supporters challenge assumptions of the Enlightenment and modernity, such as foundationalism and the belief in universal rationality,^[3] by speaking in terms of Ludwig Wittgenstein's concept of language-games.^[4] They argue that the biblical narrative challenges the dominant presuppositions of liberalism and liberal Christianity, including its emphasis on the autonomous individual.^[5]