John Franke has written an engaging book, and the subject matter is eternally relevant and always controversial: truth. In Manifold Witness, Franke is arguing for an ever-present plurality within Christian truth claims. Throughout his work, Franke engages questions concerning the nature of truth, the nature of God, explains deconstruction as a vital practice for Christian theological reflection, and adds a proposed approach to theology based on his concept of "manifold witness." From start to finish, this is an interesting read that takes up many important contemporary concerns.
Franke raises some helpful questions, such as whether a historic Christian faith exists. Relying on the work of Andrew Wall, Franke posits what the Christian faith would look like overtime to a space alien researching human religious culture. Focusing on Christianity in particular, Franke asks if the alien would recognize any coherence at all, and if the Vincentian rule of the faith, that which has been believed "everywhere and by all," could be successfully applied. Franke believes it could not. While there would be some similarities found within the Christian faith as it has been professed across time, Franke believes there is more diversity than there is unity, and as such can be considered an evidence for the plurality of truth. While Franke's scenario is plausible, I humbly disagree. Plurality of expression, and particular emphases on certain facets of Christian doctrine and practice over time to meet specific needs and specific cultural situations does not automatically negate a unified "deposit" of Christian faith that has been constant across traditions and across time. Plurality of expression does not exclude unity and singularity of truth.
Franke's work also is Trinitarian, and for this reason is to be commended. The resurgence of Trinitarian theology has been good news for Christianity, and has led to deepening reflection in particular on the social nature of the Godhead, which is Franke's focus here. Franke extends the sociality of the Trinity to the loving, missional impulse of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who are now at work to bring to full expression the redemption that has been made possible through Jesus Christ. This presentation of the Trinity does have some strengths, as it can serve as grounds for the ministry of the local church and the imperative for engagement and service to the world. However, throughout Franke's discussion of the Trinity, I couldn't shake the sense that the plurality of God was being stressed over and above the unity of the Godhead in a way that is unwarranted. It is as though the commitment to truth as plural was driving the assertion that the Trinity's plurality takes precedence over the Divine Oneness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In the final analysis, I can't help but wonder how Franke's presentation in Manifold Witness is able to discern which expressions of the plurality of truth can be upheld and considered authoritative for the body of Christ. While his critiques of cultural superiority (the belief that one particular cultural expression of Christianity can be universalized over all others) are extremely helpful and humbling, for the Church as a whole, I cannot see how such an approach to truth allows for discernment between what, in fact, is true and false. It seems that in the end, the plurality would be favored over the unity, for the ground for unity is evasive.
This is an interesting read in contemporary theology, and those with a postmodern bent might particularly find it compelling. But in the end, I found the book a good read that left me a bit empty, hoping for more. While I recognize that mystery is a facet of Christian faith, I'm seeking for some firm ground to stand upon while engaging in contemplation of Christian truth. The search continues.