Emil Brunner: A Reappraisal

Emil Brunner: A Reappraisal presents a comprehensive intellectual history and appraisal of Emil Brunner, the highly influential Swiss theologian who was instrumental in shaping modern Protestant theology. Renowned theologian Alister E. During his lifetime, Emil Brunner (1889-1966) was a highly influential and renowned theologian, instrumental in shaping the course of modern Protestant theology Yet in recent decades he has been neglected within modern theology. In this major study, Alister McGrath, himself one of the world’s leading theologians, presents an insightful reappraisal and comprehensive intellectual history of the influential Swiss thinker. Informed by wealth of innovative scholarly research, McGrath delves deeply into Brunner’s role in shaping dialectical theory, Brunner’s distinct approach to the leading theological debates of the 1930s, and his mature theological vision. McGrath also examines such topics as Brunner’s debate with Karl Barth over the question of natural theology (along with the complex relationship between the two theological giants), Brunner’s reception in the English-language world of the 1930s, and Brunner’s distinctively Swiss voice in the German-language theology of the day. Also addressed are the reasons for Brunner’s contemporary neglect in scholarly circles, his deserved place in current debates on natural theology, ethics and ecumenical reflections. Illuminating and insightful, Emile Brunner: A Reappraisal represents an invaluable scholarly contribution to our understanding of the ideas and historical significance of one of the most important theologians of the twentieth century. In Emil Brunner: A Reappraisal, renowned theologian Alister E. McGrath presents a comprehensive intellectual history of Emil Brunner, the highly influential Swiss theologian who was instrumental in shaping modern Protestant theology. Explores Brunner’s theological development and offers a critical engagement of his theology Examines the role that Brunner played in shaping the characteristics of dialectical theology Reveals the complex and shifting personal and professional relationship between Brunner and Barth Delves into the reasons for Brunner’s contemporary neglect in theological scholarship Represents the only book-length study of Brunner’s works and significance in the English language