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The Contribution of Karl Barth toward the Formulation of an Evangelical Theology of Religions

The dissertation focuses on Karl Barth's theology as it relates to present issue
in Evangelical thought. Chapter 1 states that an Evangelical theology of religions can
affirm and apply particular aspects of Barth's doctrine of the Holy Spirit that will serve to
redefine some present Evangelical approaches to the content of divine revelation.
Chapter 2 surveys the theology of religions models constructed by Karl
Rahner, Clark Pinnock, Amos Yong, and Terrance Tiessen. These scholars affirm in
some respect that non-Christians need not have explicit knowledge of Jesus Christ and
His work in order to appropriate the benefits of redemption.
Chapter 3 examines Barth's trinitarian-oriented doctrine of revelation. For
Barth, the doctrine ofthe Trinity provides the key to genuine divine revelation because
revelation's content cannot be separated from its form in Jesus Christ.
Chapter 4 addresses Barth's evaluation of the phenomenon of religion and
natural theology. His attack on both concepts as human attempts to fashion God in their
own image will be discussed.
Chapter 5 will discuss and analyze the Christ-centered nature of Barth's
doctrine of the Holy Spirit. The discussion shows how for Barth the Holy Spirit is the
sole mediator of Christ's presence who guides persons into objective knowledge of Christ
and equips them for Christian service.
Chapter 6 details Barth's use of secular "parables" of truth in the world in
relation to the one Truth-Jesus Christ. The focus is how these "lights" of truth in
creation never exist apart from Christ's reconciling work.
Chapter 7 evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of Barth's thought as it
relates to thesis of the work. Particular attention is given to Barth's rejection of general
revelation and the doctrine of common grace as juxtaposed with the work of Herman
Bavinck, whose thought is utilized as a useful alternative to Barth's thought in this area.
Chapter 8 will conclude by briefly addressing Bavinck's position in contrast to
Barth. Finally, the work seeks to reaffirm the thesis that use of selective aspects of
Barth's thought can serve as an aid to on-going Evangelical efforts to formulate a viable
theology of religions.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:SBTS/oai:digital.library.sbts.edu:10392/3815
Date05 1900
CreatorsChandler, William Terrell Jr
ContributorsWare, Bruce A.
Source SetsSouthern Baptist Theological Seminary
Detected LanguageEnglish

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