Only Human
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This, Don Cupitt argues, is a new kind of theological book. It starts not from doctrine or scripture but from the rise of those sciences that bear most directly on the questions o…
Book Summary
Don Cupitt's Only Human argues for a radical rethinking of Christian anthropology in light of modern science. Rather than patching up the damaged doctrine of man, Cupitt draws from geology, biology, psychology, and social anthropology to explore what religious possibilities remain in a post-doctrinal, scientifically informed vision of the human condition. This provocative work completes a trilogy with Taking Leave of God and The World to Come.
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About Only Human
In Only Human, Don Cupitt contends that the traditional Christian doctrine of man, inherited from Genesis via Augustine, has been damaged beyond repair by modern sciences. He rejects any attempt to reinterpret, prune, or modernize it, and equally rejects constructing a new theological or philosophical anthropology that mixes existentialism, psychology, and metaphysics. Instead, he starts from the rise of sciences bearing directly on human nature—geology, biology, psychology, social anthropology, and comparative religion—to ask what religious possibilities may exist in the emergent modern vision of our situation. The result is a new kind of theological book that does not begin with doctrine or scripture but with empirical inquiry. Forming a trilogy with Taking Leave of God and The World to Come, it completes and supports a view Cupitt has presented over many years, and is unlikely to leave readers unmoved.
Who should read Only Human?
This book is for readers interested in radical theology, the philosophy of religion, and the dialogue between science and religion. It suits those who are comfortable with questioning traditional Christian doctrine and who want a constructive, post-doctrinal approach to religious meaning. Students of theology, philosophy, and anthropology will find it valuable, as will anyone familiar with Cupitt's earlier work or with non-realist theology. It is also appropriate for clergy and laypeople wrestling with how to think religiously after the sciences.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Offers a bold, original approach to theology that starts from modern science rather than scripture or doctrine.
- ✓ Written by a respected Cambridge philosopher of religion and dean, ensuring scholarly rigor.
- ✓ Completes a coherent trilogy with Taking Leave of God and The World to Come, providing a comprehensive view.
- ✓ Engages multiple disciplines—geology, biology, psychology, social anthropology, and comparative religion—in a accessible manner.
- ✓ Provocative and intellectually stimulating, unlikely to leave readers unmoved, as promised.
Cons
- ✗ Assumes familiarity with Cupitt's previous work and non-realist theology, which may confuse newcomers.
- ✗ Rejects traditional Christian doctrine outright, which may alienate orthodox believers.
- ✗ Lacks a constructive systematic anthropology, as Cupitt explicitly avoids providing one.
- ✗ Some readers may find the interdisciplinary approach fragmented or lacking in depth in specific scientific areas.
- ✗ The writing style and argumentation may be dense for general readers without a background in philosophy or theology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Only Human a standalone book or part of a series?
It forms a trilogy with Don Cupitt's Taking Leave of God and The World to Come, completing and supporting a view presented across the three volumes. While it can be read alone, familiarity with the earlier books enhances understanding.
What is the main argument of Only Human?
Cupitt argues that the traditional Christian doctrine of man is damaged beyond repair and should not be patched up. Instead, he explores what religious possibilities remain when we start from modern sciences like biology, psychology, and anthropology rather than from doctrine or scripture.
Who is Don Cupitt?
Don Cupitt is a former Lecturer in the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge and Dean of Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He is known for his non-realist theology and controversial works on religion.
Is this book suitable for orthodox Christians?
Only Human challenges traditional Christian doctrine and may be uncomfortable for orthodox believers. It is intended for those open to radical theological questioning and a post-doctrinal approach to religion.
Does the book provide a new theological anthropology?
No. Cupitt explicitly avoids constructing a new theological or philosophical anthropology. Instead, he draws on empirical sciences to ask what religious possibilities emerge from a modern, scientific vision of the human condition.
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