This book which developed from an understanding of the dialectical relationship between
theology and the church provides information about the function and domain of language in the
church through an analysis of its creedal statements. The study begins with an historical
investigation of the crisis in linguistic interpretation in the church and theological
community. Subsequently a philosophical framework is presented through an investigation of
particularly significant aspects of Ludwig Wittgenstein's later writings. Following a
discussion of the alternative readings of Wittgenstein by theologians examples are presented
for ways in which we can apply Wittgenstein's linguistic approach to the interpretation of
creeds. After distinguishing optional approaches to the creeds the book presents an
understanding of creedal statements in light of Wittgenstein. Reclaiming the functional nature
of doxological language within its liturgical context provides a central connection between the
language of the church and the actions of its members.
