Customer Reviews

Natural Theology: Comprising "Nature and Grace" by Professor Dr. Emil Brunner and the Reply "No!" by Dr. Karl Barth

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Brunner's "Nature and Grace" and especially Barth's response "No!" constitute the seminal piece for all discussions of natural theology since. Barth's categorical rejection of natural theology in any guise was, in 1934, the most radical stance ever taken on the subject. Yet with Barth's detailed explanations stemming from his hallmark Christocentrism, mixed with a good deal of polemic (much later, Barth showed remorse for how his response so deeply hurt Brunner), it has become such that no theologian since--Reformed or otherwise--can address natural theology without due consideration of this work.

In this day and age, when views of natural theology and natural law still form a foundational part of politically explosive ethical debates surrounding human dignity, the definition of life, human sexuality, the nature of equality, etc., "Nature and Grace" and "No!" should be read by anyone interested in approaching such topics from a theological perspective.

As an addendum, for those interested and comfortable in the realm of academic theology, I would recommend Stephen J. Grabill's Rediscovering the Natural Law in Reformed Theological Ethics (Emory University Studies in Law and Religion) as a good follow-up to the Brunner/Barth debate.

There were many good things said in this book and it was not run on like some can be but it is kind of difficult to read. Gotta love Karl Barth though.

Becareful with this book . It was written by a theologian that never really understood the Revelation of Christ.