What s Post-Barthian Theology?
Post-Barthian theology refers to movements and thinkers who are influenced by 20th century theologian Karl Barth but seek to develop, or go beyond his ideas in new directions.
Karl Barth, a Swiss Reformed theologian, is considered one of the most important figures of 20th century theology, particularly known for his emphasis on God's sovereignty, revelation, and the centrality of Christ in theological reflection.
Key Characteristics:
1. Continuation of Barth's Emphases: Post Barthian theologians often maintain Barth's focus on God's self-revelation in Jesus Christ and the importance of Christology in theological construction. They typically uphold the idea that theology should be grounded in the self-disclosure of God in history, particularly in the person of Jesus Christ.
2. Critical Engagement and Expansion: While building on Barth's foundation, post-Barthian theologians often critique or expand his ideas to address issues Barth did not focus on as much, such as social justice, political involvement, and ecological concerns. They seek to engage more directly with contemporary societal, cultural and philosophical issues.
3. Eschatological Focus: Post-Barthian theology frequently maintains an eschatological emphasis, taking Barth;s concept of God's "wholly other" and transcendent` nature and focuses on the dynamic, future oriented nature of God's promises and actions in the world.
4. Emphasis on Human Experience and Context: Post-Barthian theologians may give more attention to human experience, culture and historic context than Barth did. They often emphasize the need to to contextualize the gospel message in ways that speak directly to contemporary concerns, going beyond Barth's somewhat more abstract, doctrinal approach.
One of our key missions is to demonstrate how theology can be both deeply rooted in the Christian tradition and dynamically engaged with the pressing issues of the contemporary world.
Influential Post-Barthian Theologians:
Jurgen Moltmann (most prominent for this ministry)
Eberhard Jungel
Wolfart Pannenberg
Hans Urs von Balthasar
T. F. Torrance
John Webster
George Hunsinger
Kathryn Tanner
Karl Barth, a Swiss Reformed theologian, is considered one of the most important figures of 20th century theology, particularly known for his emphasis on God's sovereignty, revelation, and the centrality of Christ in theological reflection.
Key Characteristics:
1. Continuation of Barth's Emphases: Post Barthian theologians often maintain Barth's focus on God's self-revelation in Jesus Christ and the importance of Christology in theological construction. They typically uphold the idea that theology should be grounded in the self-disclosure of God in history, particularly in the person of Jesus Christ.
2. Critical Engagement and Expansion: While building on Barth's foundation, post-Barthian theologians often critique or expand his ideas to address issues Barth did not focus on as much, such as social justice, political involvement, and ecological concerns. They seek to engage more directly with contemporary societal, cultural and philosophical issues.
3. Eschatological Focus: Post-Barthian theology frequently maintains an eschatological emphasis, taking Barth;s concept of God's "wholly other" and transcendent` nature and focuses on the dynamic, future oriented nature of God's promises and actions in the world.
4. Emphasis on Human Experience and Context: Post-Barthian theologians may give more attention to human experience, culture and historic context than Barth did. They often emphasize the need to to contextualize the gospel message in ways that speak directly to contemporary concerns, going beyond Barth's somewhat more abstract, doctrinal approach.
One of our key missions is to demonstrate how theology can be both deeply rooted in the Christian tradition and dynamically engaged with the pressing issues of the contemporary world.
Influential Post-Barthian Theologians:
Jurgen Moltmann (most prominent for this ministry)
Eberhard Jungel
Wolfart Pannenberg
Hans Urs von Balthasar
T. F. Torrance
John Webster
George Hunsinger
Kathryn Tanner
