Karl Barth's Theological Exegesis: The Hermeneutical Principles of the Romerbrief Period

by Richard E. Burnett

Foreword by Bruce McCormack

For many students of Scripture and Christian theology, Karl Barth's break with liberalism is the most important event that has occurred in theology in over 200 years. In Karl Barth's Theological Exegesis Richard E. Burnett provides the first detailed look at this watershed event, showing how Barth read the Bible before and after his break with liberalism, how he came to read the Bible differently than most of his contemporaries, and why Barth's contribution is still significant today.

As Burnett explains, the crux of Barth's legacy is his abandonment of the hermeneutical tradition of Schleiermacher, which had had such a profound influence on Christian thought in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This hermeneutical tradition, which began with Herder and extended through Dilthey, Troeltsch, Wobbermin, Wernle, and Barth himself prior to 1915, is characterized by its attempt to integrate broad aspects of interpretation, to establish universally valid rules of interpretation on the basis of a general anthropology, and by its reliance on empathy.

Barth's discovery that "the being of God is the hermeneutical problem" implied that the object to be known should determine the way taken in knowing. This fundamental insight brought about a hermeneutical revolution that gave priority to content over method, to actual exegesis over hermeneutical theory. The development of Barth's new approach to Scripture is especially evident in his Römerbrief period, during which he developed a set of principles for properly reading Scripture. Burnett focuses on these principles, which have never been discussed at length or viewed specifically in relationship to Schleiermacher, and presents a study that challenges both "neo-orthodox" and "postmodern" readings of Barth.

This is a crucial piece of scholarship. Not only is it the first major book in English on Barth's hermeneutics, but it also employs pioneering research in Barth studies. Burnett includes in his discussion important material only recently discovered in Switzerland and made available here in English for the first time -- namely, six preface drafts that Barth wrote for his famous Romans commentary, which some regard as the greatest theological work of all time.

In making a major contribution to Barth studies, this volume will also inform scholars, pastors, and students whose interests range from modern Christian theology to the history of biblical interpretation.

Genres: Theology

328 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2004

Reviews

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good insights in here, but still feel like I don't know how to put it into practice. Thats not the goal of the book though.

[Joshua Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how indicative Karl Barth's Romerbrief period is for the eventual trajectory of his thinking. However, I loved Burnett's interaction with Barth's early awakening to the uniqueness and significance of Paul. I was less inclined to agree with his attempt to situate Barth into the present conversation surrounding theological hermeneutics. Interesting, though, and well worth reading in my opinion, particularly for those interested in the question of biblical authority from a less propositional tradition.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent survey of Barth's hermeneutical principles in the Romerbrief period. Helps illumine issues related to the distinction between geschichte and historie, Barth in relation to Dilthey and Schleiermacher (and Herder!), and Barth's appropriation of the Reformed tradition. I was especially surprised to see Barth's relatively high view of Scripture -- especially over against his liberal forebears.