Karl Barth and the Incarnation

This work demonstrates the significance of Karl Barth's Christology by examining it in the context of his orientation toward the classical tradition - an orientation that was both critical and sympathetic. To compare this Christology with the doctrine's history, Sumner suggests first that the Chalcedonian portrait of the incarnation is conceputally vulnerable at a number of points. By recasting the doctrine in actualist terms - the history of Jesus' lived existence as God's fulfillment of His covenant with creatures, rather than a metaphysical uniting of natures - Barth is able to move beyond problems inherent in the tradition.
Despite a number of formal and material differences, however, Barth's position coheres with the intent of the ancient councils and ought to be judged as orthodox. Barth's great contribution to Christology is in the unapologetic affirmation of 'the humanity of God'.

Autorentext

Darren O. Sumner is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Seminary Northwest, USA.

Inhalt

Introduction

1. The Identity Problem: Tensions in the Christological Tradition
2. Barth's Response to Logos Christology
3. Barth's Positive Doctrine of Christ
4. Barth and the Question of 'Chalcedonianism'
5. Barth's Christology and the Challenge of Incarnation
   Bibliography
   Index