Orthodox and Modern - by Bruce L McCormack (Paperback)

About the Book

These essays by a prominent Barthian scholar offer a full and unique reading of the most significant modern Protestant theologian for twenty-first century readers.

Book Synopsis

In this enlightening study, Bruce McCormack reconsiders the importance of Karl Barth's theology. McCormack begins with Barth's relation to nineteenth-century theologians and then turns to critique the works of contemporary authors within postmodern circles who have attempted to reinterpret Barth to fit their categories. The later sections of McCormack's study probe more deeply into Barth's theology and consider European perspectives. As the title affirms, McCormack suggests that Barth was, in fact, both orthodox and modern in his theology.

McCormack has established a reputation as a thoughtful scholar, and his study of Barth will certainly find a broad audience in academic circles. But serious readers and clergy will also find it a helpful guide to Barth's theology and his continuing importance.

From the Back Cover

"This distinguished collection of studies presents Barth's theology as an attempt to discern what it means to be orthodox under the conditions of modernity, most of all, after the dissolution of the long-standing pact between Christian theology and classical metaphysics and epistemology. Each essay is a model of lucidity as well as wide learning and discriminating intelligence. McCormack moves with consummate ease and authority through the development of modern theology and the substance of Christian dogmatics. This is a book of rare historical and theological penetration from a commanding figure in Barth scholarship."--John Webster, chair of systematic theology, King's College, University of Aberdeen

"This collection of essays represents another major contribution from Bruce McCormack to our understanding of Barth. Typically rigorous, imaginative, and forceful, it provides frequent insight into Barth's massive theological output. McCormack shows how Barth's work continues to assail those in the church and the academy who search for a strong theology that remains alert to the ongoing problems and challenges of modernity. This volume will quickly become a standard point of reference for subsequent work in the field."--David Fergusson, professor of divinity, University of Edinburgh

"Bruce McCormack has spent the last decade and a half quietly developing what may be the most theologically provocative and historically self-conscious research program on offer today, the fruits of which have been gathered together in this welcome volume. I imagine that we will be discussing these essays for years to come, especially now that this volume brings them to a deservedly wider audience."--Kevin W. Hector, assistant professor of theology and the philosophy of religion, University of Chicago Divinity School

"With this powerful collection of essays, Bruce McCormack secures his reputation as one of the most exciting theologians in North America today. Uncompromising yet balanced in its interpretative judgments, fascinated by Barth's dogmatic ingenuity, and forward-looking in its constructive gestures, this excellent book will gain a diverse and thankful readership."--Paul Dafydd Jones, assistant professor of Western religious thought, University of Virginia

About the Author

Bruce L. McCormack (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary; Dr. theol. h.c., Friedrich Schiller University) is the Frederick and Margaret L. Weyerhaeuser Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. He is a world-renowned Barth scholar and the author or editor of several volumes, including Justification in Perspective and Engaging the Doctrine of God.