Karl Barth and the Incarnation: Christology and the Humility of God

Description

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'.

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

Sumner's shows patience and compassion in his reading of Barth ... His command of the material is impressive. Further, his compassion and sharp analytical mind are present in his discussion of the interpretations regarding the continuity between Barth's Christology in CD I/2 and IV/1 (86-9). ... For lovers of Barth's theology, this work promises and delivers in depth and analysis. For those who are interested in learning more about Barth's actualism, this is a sane and evenhanded work. -- Rafael Bello * The Center for Barth Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary *