Dr. Millard Erickson's "Christian Theology, Ch. 2," 48ff.

Theology and Philosophy—types of relationships between theology and philosophy, some 20th century philosophies, theology’s use of philosophy. Four relationships between theology and philosophy: (1) no connection (Tertullian), (2) limited use of philosophy (Augustine), (3) philosophy establishes theology (Aquinas), philosophy judges theology (Deism). We are unsatisfied with his views of Augustine and Aquinas at this point. Four 20th century philosophies: pragmatism, existentialism, analytic philosophy, and process theology. Pragmatism emphasizes no absolute truth, just the practical, observable results—the focus was problem solving. Existentialism is irrationalistic, individualistic, freedom-driven, and subjectivistic—Barth, Bultmann, Brunner, Niehbur, Tillach and others reflect varied aspects of this. Analytic philosophy has two stages—the aggressive “logical positivist” stage and the more modest one of confinement to the study and clarification of language. Process philosophy is universalistic and metaphysical—all in the process of change (Heraclitus) as a fixed issue (Parmenides). As for theology, “God is becoming.” Dr. Erickson sees the use of analytic philosophy as a tool for clarity of thought. We’ll leave this hornets’ next unkicked at the present. Pages 39-58.