Karl Barth's Christological Ecclesiology

by Kimlyn J. Bender

Overview

Many of Barth's theological themes, such as revelation and election, have received numerous scholarly examinations, whilst Barth's doctrine of the church has been largely ignored. Yet, Barth entitled his massive systematic theological opus the Church Dogmatics, and the church was a central element of his thought from first to last. This book seeks to fill a lacuna in studies of Barth's theology, presenting the first comprehensive examination of Karl Barth's doctrine of the church in over three decades. Kimlyn Bender examines Barth's ecclesiological thought, from his early theological treatises to his massive unfinished dogmatics, in light of his interaction with both Roman Catholicism and Protestant Liberalism. A special emphasis is placed upon Barth's mature ecclesiology in the Church Dogmatics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138277717
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/28/2016
Series:	Barth Studies
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr Kimlyn J. Bender is Assistant Professor of Theology and Philosophy at the University of Sioux Falls, USA.

Table of Contents

Contents: Introduction. Part One Barth's Early Ecclesiology: Barth's early theology: battles on the left and on the right; The path to the ecclesiology of the Church Dogmatics. Part Two Barth's Mature Ecclesiology: The election of Jesus Christ: the foundation of ecclesiology; Reconciliation as the context of ecclesiology; The origin of the church as the fellowship of the spirit; The order of the church as the body of Christ; The ordination of the church as the people of God in the world; Looking back and looking ahead. Bibliography; Index.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Both comprehensive and authoritative, Kimlyn Bender's fine study of Karl Barth's Christocentric doctrine of the church will undoubtedly serve as the standard work on the topic. The volume demonstrates that Barth's ecclesiology, while leaving some questions unresolved, is far richer, more coherent, and more complex than his critics have recognized."

Daniel Migliore,
Professor of Theology, Emeritus
Princeton Theological Seminary

"Karl Barth's Christological Ecclesiology is one of the most distinguished studies of Barth's theology of the church. For scope, penetration, analytical precision and maturity of judgement, it can scarcely be bettered."

John Webster,
Professor of Divinity, St Mary's College
University of St Andrews, Scotland

"Kimlyn Bender has written one of the best books on Barth's ecclesiology. No one interested in this question can afford to ignore it. Theologically incisive throughout, it contains a thorough and unsurpassed account of how Barth's views developed over time, from his earliest writings to his final works."

George Hunsinger,
Hazel Thompson McCord Professor of Systematic Theology
Princeton Theological Seminary

"Kimlyn Bender has given us a splendid study of a key theme in the theology of Karl Barth. This work clearly and competently explores Barth's views of the church, generated through his overall christological focus. The breadth is wide and Bender's scholarship is deep. Especially valuable is that this exposition of ecclesiology leads through chapters on major themes in Barth's theology as a whole. So the book serves as a prism of Barth's theology, introducing us to insights from his theological enterprise which impact his christological, ecclesiological emphases. This volume shows Barth as firmly a church theologian and is most welcome as an important, useful study of the twentieth century's greatest theologian."
Donald K. McKim
Editor, How Karl Barth Changed My Mind

Editorial Reviews

'Kimlyn Bender offers a lucid, well-organised and thorough account of Barth's doctrine of the church, a doctrine derived from and informed by a Christo-logic at every point... Bender has filled a significant gap in English language Barth studies and serves as a sure-footed guide who blazes a trail through tough territory and points out the stunning scenery as he goes.' Zeitschrift für Dialektische Theologie 'This well-documented and clearly presented study of the ecclesiology of Kark Barth comprises a bold attempt to revisit a topic that, for over 50 years, has been treated by a number of noted Barthian experts... The sheer skill and intensity with which Bender conducts this exposition is impressive... As an orderly and serious compendium of Barth's thought on the Christian community, this study is valuable... Bender's passion for the event of the church as Barth understood it might lead many readers to learn on their own why the avid master of Basel still generates like-minded scholars.' Theological Studies ’Bender’s work is a wonderful contribution to Barth studies and to ecclesiological reflection in general. Bender makes a strong case that future thinking on the nature and task of the church ought to go ’through and not around Barth’s doctrine of the church’ (p. 284). Certainly future work on Barth’s ecclesiology will have to be undertaken in dialogue with Bender’s elaboration and interpretation of it.’ Ecclesiology

From the Publisher