Religion Without Ulterior Motive

The awareness of the potential for abuse of religion has risen dramatically in the West since 9/11. We all seem to agree that the abuse of religion should be averted, and condemnation of the abuse of religion is almost universal. Bram van de Beek, systematic theologian at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, has radicalised this discourse by claiming that religion should not be allied to any cause, not even to a good cause. He illustrates this by the way theology has been instrumentalized within the Reformed tradition in e.g. apologetic theology, liberation theology, theocraty, and pietism. His thesis provokes fervent discussions. Twelve prominent theologians react on issues such as public theology, evangelical activism, Christian life, the relevance of reasons for faith, the unity of the church, and contextualization of religion in various parts of the world. At stake is the assertion that precisely religion without ulterior motive is the best guarantee for relevant religion.