Bringing Barth’s Critique of Religion to the Inter‐faith Table (original) (raw)

2008, The Journal of Religion

Although he criticized Barth under the enigmatic phrase "positivism of revelation," 1 Bonhoeffer saw Barth's criticism of religion as "his really great merit." 2 In the present age in which inter-faith dialogue has become more pressing than it has perhaps ever before been, theology can at times engage in two conversations that are not only separate but at worst self-contradictory: in its discussions with secular society, theology can engage in critical discussions about religion, drinking deeply from the well of criticism offered by the likes of Feuerbach, Nietzsche, Durkheim, and Marx; 3 yet, in its discussions in inter-faith settings, the danger can arise that these critiques are thrown out altogether or at least lie in abeyance. If we are truly to realize the potential Bonhoeffer glimpsed in Barth's critique of religion, it is my contention that we must not leave this important piece of theology aside as we enter dialogue with members of other faith communities. 4 Moreover, to engage in two sep-* An earlier version of this article was presented at the Senior Systematics Seminars of Cambridge University and King's College, London. Thanks must be expressed to the participants in these seminars for their critiques and helpful questioning. Thanks must also be given to David Ford, Garrett Green, Paul Nimmo, and (especially) the two anonymous reviewers for their comments and suggested revisions. Without them, the article would have been much the poorer.