Frank William Boreham 1871-1959

Frank William Boreham 1871-1959
A photo F W Boreham took of himself in 1911

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Boreham and His Theological Approach

While he was usually logical, F W Boreham did not depend upon highly reasoned argumentation and the constraints of editorial space certainly limited this practice. Like theologian Ronald Thiemann, Boreham was less concerned that theology provide overarching theories and detailed answers and more intent on reflecting on the ‘intersections’ and ‘joints’ where public issues and Christian convictions meet.[1]

While conceding the imposition of word space, Frank Boreham’s suggestive style meant that his theology was strong on casting a vision but weak on critical analysis and teasing out life implications. In addition, his optimistic spirit often led him to ignore complexities and gloss over the ambiguities at the delicate points where theological reflection and life issues meet.

Geoff Pound

Image: The modern masthead from the Hobart Mercury.

[1] Ronald Thiemann, Constructing a public theology: The church in a pluralistic culture (Louisville: Westminster/ John Knox Press, 1991), 21-22, 24.