Product Description

The first detailed comparison between the theologies of Friedrich Schleiermacher and the early dialectical theology of Karl Barth. Matthias Gockel shows that the doctrine of election in Barth's early theology bears a remarkable resemblance to the position of Schleiermacher. He challenges the conventional wisdom that these two positions - or 'liberal theology' and 'dialectical theology' - stand in irreconcilable opposition. Barth articulates a fresh assessment of the doctrine not only in Church Dogmatics II/2, but in the second edition of his Epistle to the Romans and in his first series of lectures on Systematic Theology, the so-called Gottingen Dogmatics. Hence, a resemblance between Schleiermacher and Barth is already discernible in Barth's early theology - at a time when he was writing his most virulent criticisms of Schleiermacher.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #754151 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 238 pages

Review
Gockel's study is detailed and attentive... Those working on the locus of election will find much to consider as they see the doctrinal repercussions of Barth's and Schleiermacher's views surfaced by Gockel. James R. A. Merrick, European Journal of Theology Gockel models the kind of close dogmatic scrutiny that Schleiermacher's and Barth's theological contribution both deserves and demands. Those with an interest in systematic theology and the history of doctrine, those with an interest in getting their mind around Barth's much misunderstood doctrine of election, those with an interest in exploring a way forward for overcoming old rifts between Lutherans and Calvinists, and those with an interest in more current debates over universalism, would benefit from reading Gockel's work. Jason A. Goroncy, Journal of Theological Studies Matthias Gockel offers a groundbreaking new evaluation of Barth's relationship to Schleiermacher...the best work on Barth to have appeared within the past year or more, and it will prove to be an immensely valuable resource for contemporary constructive work on the doctrine of election. Benjamin Myers, Faith and Theology blog

About the Author

Matthias Gockel is assistant pastor in a congregation near Wittenberg, Germany.