Emil Brunner: A Reappraisal

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.

Alister E. McGrath is Professor of Theology, Ministry and Education at King’s College London, UK, and head of its Centre for Theology, Religion, and Culture. One of the world’s leading theologians, McGrath is the author of some of the most widely used textbooks on theology, including Christian Theology: An Introduction (2010) and Historical Theology (2012).