Towards a Theology of Relationship: Emil Brunner's Truth as Encounter in Light of Relationship Science
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We live in an era in which relations are considered to be of the utmost importance in almost every field of science and society. For theology, however, this is nothing new. Having a personal relationship with God is a common Christian expression, and while this notion of relationship with God usually lacks a clear definition and its explication is often deeply flawed, this book argues nevertheless for the centrality of a theology of relationship. By reintroducing Emil Brunner as a relational theologian, based on his seminal work Truth as Encounter, it is boldly proposed that relationship must be the prime leitmotif for the whole of theology. Furthermore, the relationship analogy is investigated in light of contemporary relationship science: is it accurate to speak of a relationship with God? Berra argues that God-human interaction is indeed categorically a relationship and existentially intended to be intimate. Consequently, this relationship needs to be the theological leitmotif leading to a theology of relationship.
“The great Emil Brunner is mentioned today often only in
discussion as an anecdote or side tangent. Yet his theology of
relationship is powerful, complex, and more relevant today than
ever. Michael Berra reintroduces Brunner and the category of
relationship as theology’s leitmotif, while critically assessing
relationality in light of contemporary research. Using analogical
reasoning, Berra provides a theological framework of relational
depth and breadth. This book was a joy to read!”
—Thomas Jay Oord, author of Pluriform Love
“Discursive theology needs a philosophy that translates the
biblical witness convincingly and boldly. How do we understand God
and the world? Twentieth-century systematic theology responds with
a relational ontology. From this, Michael Berra goes further and
deeper. Drawing on Emil Brunner’s groundbreaking ‘theology of
relationship,’ he points to ways of reconstructing our habits of
thought. It is worthwhile to follow him there.”
—Ralph Kunz, University of Zürich
“Christian theology, at its best, is a dynamic endeavor that
attends to a rich heritage and responds to the contemporary
context. This volume contributes well to that task. With precision
and confidence, Berra juxtaposes Christian doctrine and
relationship science to argue for a singular theme around which all
of theology should turn: relationship. Readers will benefit from
his careful analysis of Brunner’s work and its enduring relevance
for Christian thinking and living today.”
—Cynthia Bennett Brown, author of Believing Thinking, Bounded
Theology: The Theological Methodology of Emil Brunner
- Title: Towards a Theology of Relationship: Emil Brunner's Truth as Encounter in Light of Relationship Science
- Author: Michael Berra
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666797350, 9781666797343, 9781666737653, 1666797359, 1666797340, 1666737658
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666797350
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T20:01:09Z
Michael Berra is a pastor-theologian currently serving at a large church (Prisma) in Switzerland and leading its school of ministry. He was previously the national youth director of the Evangelical Free Churches in Switzerland.