Barth on the Descent into Hell: God, Atonement, and the Christian Life (Barth Studies) - Hardcover

Lauber, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0754633411 ISBN 13: 9780754633419

Publisher: Routledge, 2004

Synopsis

The Christian confession that Jesus Christ descended into hell has been variously misunderstood or simply neglected by the Church and dogmatic theology. This work is a significant retort to dogmatic forgetfulness and ecclesial misunderstanding. It succeeds in doing so by offering a close reading and critical analysis of Karl Barth's treatment of the descent into hell and its relation to his extraordinary theology of the atonement. The reach of David Lauber's work is extended by placing Barth in conversation with Hans Urs von Balthasar's innovative theology of Holy Saturday. In revealing and unexpected ways, this book casts light upon the ecumenical breadth of Barth's theology. It is a valuable interpretation of significant facets of Barth's doctrine of God, reflection upon the passion of Jesus Christ, and ethics. In addition, Lauber offers a constructive theological proposal for how the descent into hell affects the theological interpretation of Scripture, the trinitarian being and activity of God, and the non-violent and authentic shape of Christian life and witness before our enemies.

About this title

About the Author

David Lauber is Assistant Professor of Theology at Wheaton College, Illinois, USA.

Review

'... the clearest exposition of Barth's theology of the atonement currently available in English...' Reviews in Religion and Theology 'One mark of a good book is the protracted discussion it catalyzes with its principals and its topic. In this regard Lauber's book is exemplary.' Toronto Journal of Theology '...David Lauber displays with peerless competence in this brilliant study, the doctrine of Christ's descent into hell forms an essential cornerstone (not the only one, to be sure) of the Barthian edifice...[David Lauber] has chosen one of the most crucial themes of theology for his brief, and one of the twentieth century's most important advocates of the doctrine of the Descent to boot, he has also set forth his exposition so clearly that his readers learn an amazing amount about Barth...' Modern Theology 'Lauber's book is a gift to both church and academy, and a reminder that as the faith of the church seeks understanding, Karl Barth still has much to offer us in our quest.' Bulletin of the Institute for Reformed Theology

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0754633411
• ISBN 13: 9780754633419
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 196