This volume draws together in one place several previously published essays by Princeton theologian George Hunsinger, showing the scope and depth of his recent work. As he explores such apparently varied topics as the Eucharist, torture, and the theological gifts and problems in the works of Hans Frei and H. Richard Niebuhr, Hunsinger embodies afresh the core commitments he has learned through his lifelong study of Karl Barth: generous, tough-minded ecumenism that seeks ecclesial unity without sacrificing theological substance; and deep engagement with the Nicene, Chalcedonian, and Reformation Christian traditions in order to witness today to the saving significance of Jesus Christ for the entire world.
Martha More-Keish, Columbia Theological Seminary, USA
George Hunsinger brilliantly demonstrates how key theological impulses from Karl Barth continue to challenge the church to greater faithfulness in worship and sacraments, political witness, and ecumenical relations, also with Jews. Hunsinger’s generous orthodoxy is firmly grounded in Nicaea, Chalcedon, and the Reformation, while welcoming insights from other theological perspectives. These essays richly summarize commitments that have characterized all of Hunsinger’s work, including church catechisms and the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.
John Burgess, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, USA
Another significant volume from the well-known Princeton scholar George Hunsinger: a wide ranging vision of contemporary theology especially regarding urgent ecumenical questions.
Michael Weinrich, University of Bochum, Germany
This collection of essays harvests the fruits of Hunsinger’s mature scholarship, and allows him to move with his passionate interest in Barth to a more “conversational” theology that engages the whole church, while also dealing with more recent post-liberal and political themes.
Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology
Preface
Introduction
1. Conversational Theology: The Wit and Wisdom of Karl Barth
Ecumenical Theology
2. The Dimension of Depth: T.F. Torrance on the Sacraments
3. Karl Barth on the Lord's Supper
4. Baptism and the Soteriology of Forgiveness
Postliberal Theology
5. Postliberal Theology
6. Hans W. Frei: The Quest for a Generous Orthodoxy
7. Hans W. Frei: The Book of Detours
8. On Robert W. Jenson's Systematic Theology
9. Between Barth and Troeltsch: H.R. Niebuhr's The Meaning of Revelation
Political Theology
10. The Political Views of Karl Barth
11. Social Witness in Generous Orthodoxy
12. Torture Is the Ticking Time-Bomb
13. Violence Finds Refuge in Falsehood
14. Karl Barth and Human Rights
15. Five Public Statements
a. We Must Oppose This War (2003)
b. Appeal to America (2004)
c. Torture Is a Moral Issue (2006)
d. A Call for Interfaith Reconciliation (2007)
e. An Appeal to End the Death Penalty (2011)
Conclusion
16. Le Chambon: How Did Goodness Happen?
Bibliography
Index