The term radical middle has recently been adopted by various groups to describe a form of third way thinking that paradoxically affirms the simultaneous validity of two opposing extremes. Radical middle thought emphasizes epistemic virtue in the pursuit of truth as opposed to blind adherance to dogma.
Examples
Historical examples of what might be considered radical middle thinking are the wave-particle duality of physics, the Christian doctrine of Jesus Christ as both God and Man, and the federalist balance between national and state authority in the United States Constitution. Modern examples of radical middle thinking are the enlibra approach to environmental issues and Radical centrist politics. The terms radical center and radical middle are often used interchangeably, though it is sometimes useful to distinguish between the specific political movement and the general philosophical approach.
The term radical middle appears to have been spontaneously invented by several different communities around the turn of the millennium, apparently in response to frustration with the violence of extremism and tepidness of temperance. The earliest modern usage appears to be from Gordon Fee's kingdom theology course at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in the 1970's, which helped inspire the Vineyard Movement. He used the term radical middle to contrast the evangelical focus on the future kingdom of God with the Pentecostal emphasis on the present kingdom of God.
The following pages represent non-political uses of the term Radical middle or Radical center. For politically oriented examples, see Radical centrist politics.
Origin of the term
External links
