ABSTRACT
John D. Caputo (1940–) is the leading figure in postmodern theology. Employing a deconstructive approach that takes seriously the insights of negative theology, he has reimagined the very purpose of theology itself, moving it from talk about God to talk directed to God and to what God calls us to do. Working within the Christian tradition, he has produced a strand of postmodern theology known as “weak theology” that challenges modern presuppositions within traditional or “strong” theology (most notably, the sovereignty and omnipotence of God) with an eye to re-awakening theology to its practical and ethical aims. His work has exercised considerable influence, not only in philosophical and theological discourse, but also in the “emergent church” and other lay movements. He is a key figure in bridging twentieth and twenty-first century theology.
