Wycliffe College - Systematic Theology A

Front 1

Where did Barth give his lectures that were later compiled into the book Dogmatics in Outline?

Back 1

University of Basel

Front 2

What does Barth say about the juxtaposition of the words Systematic Theology in the milieu that he lives in?

Back 2

Many think them to be paradoxical almost like the term 'wooden iron'

Front 3

What does Barth think about his own vocation as a 'systematic theologian'?

Back 3

He thinks that if he should be in fact called one, he could never write a systematic theology.

Front 4

Why could Barth (according to himself) never write a systematic theology?

Back 4

Because it is based on a system that involves certain conceptions within a certain philosophical framework. And theology cannot be carried out within the confines of this system

Front 5

For Barth what is the subject of theology?

Back 5

The history of the communion of God with man and of man with God. And Thus the 'Word of God'

Front 6

What category does both Barth and Aquinas put theology in?

Back 6

The category of a 'science'

Front 7

What unique quality does the 'science' of theology have for Barth?

Back 7

Theology is subject to the word of God and this alone. No other system or wisdom or scientific inquiry will do.

Front 8

Why can theology never be 'systematic theology' for Barth?

Back 8

Because it is a free science, based freely on the word of God, and thus can never be bound by systems

Front 9

What is Dogmatic theology concerned with according to Barth?

Back 9

With proving the truth of the message which the Church has always proclaimed and must proclaim again today.

Front 10

What does Barth believe about the format in which one does Dogmatics?

Back 10

It doesn't matter the format one chooses to present the material

Front 11

What is the latin quote that describes how Barth feels about the format of Dogmatic theologies?

Back 11

Methodus est arbitraria - or the 'method is arbitrary'.

Front 12

What format does Barth's dogmatics in outline follow?

Back 12

It follows the apostles creed

Front 13

Though the format is arbitrary for doing dogmatics, what important component is necessary for doing dogmatic theology? - for Barth

Back 13

To be directed by God's word and thus examine the dogma by asking for the dogma. It must be sought out from within the word.

Front 14

When and where did the letters that makeup the Dogmatics in Outline come from?

Back 14

Bonn Germany in the summer of 1946

Front 15

What was the atmosphere during the time period in which these lectures (Dogmatics in Outline) were given?

Back 15

It was a time of sadness and the school was in a ruinous state with the noise of engines rebuilding and clearing the ruins

Front 16

How did Barth actually deliver the lectures that became 'dogmatics in outline'

Back 16

He delivered them without a manuscript and discussed his propositions with a great deal of freedom

Front 17

Why did Barth say that some others may want to read his dogmatics in outline (not for the obvious reasons of studying theology)

Back 17

To glimpse a document of the time, as Barth calls it a time between the times. A time after the war and before something else.

Front 18

How does Barth think Christianity can do after the War?

Back 18

It can stand well and it must be given a voice in a time such as that time.

Front 19

Who does he dedicate his lectures to?

Back 19

His Bonn Students and audience of the summer 1946

Front 20

Did Barth enjoy giving these lectures?

Back 20

Yes, this was his favourite year of teaching ever

Front 21

What is 'The Task' in Barth's Dogmatics in outline?

Back 21

The Task is the purpose of dogmatics, which is to take into account the content of its proclamation critically by the standard of Holy Writ and the guidance of the confessions.

Front 22

How does Barth define science?

Back 22

It is an attempt at the investigation related to a definite object and sphere of activity.

Front 23

Why is science an 'attempt' for Barth?

Back 23

Because nothing humans do can ever be a supreme wisdom or a final art

Front 24

For Barth what is the twofold activity of dogmatics?

Back 24

investigation and doctrine.

Front 25

What two components does the twofold activity of Barth interact with?

Back 25

an object, and a sphere of activity.

Front 26

Why is the Christian Church the subject of Dogmatics for Barth?

Back 26

Because it is the sphere of activity in which the object (the proclamation of the gospel) occurs

Front 27

Why does Barth think that one needs to be a part of the Christian Church to do dogmatics?

Back 27

Because familiarity with the life of the church is necessary for understanding it

Front 28

What does "conditio sine qua non" mean?

Back 28

it means the indispensable condition. The condition without which it cannot exist.

Front 29

How do you pronounce sine qua non?

Back 29

sahy-nee kwey non

Front 30

What does Barth mean by dogmatics doing its work in accordance with the state of knowledge at different times?

Back 30

He thinks that dogmatics and the church have a very human history and thus are limited and pass from greater degrees of understanding and misunderstanding.

Front 31

Does Barth accept an elevated position of the Church?

Back 31

No, the Church has a human history just as any other institution or political entity or culture has

Front 32

Why does Barth think that we should be speaking modestly and humbly when we talk about dogmatics?

Back 32

Because though it is an activity that takes place in the Church, like the Church it has a human history and is all to familiar with human failings and thus modesty is only appropriate

Front 33

In what state of being does Barth say that we conduct dogmatics?

Back 33

With quiet sobriety and sober quietness.

Front 34

What lesson in stewardship and acceptance does Barth teach us about Dogmatics?

Back 34

That we must use our knowledge as it has been given today, and like a servant who is faithful in little, we must not be sorrowful about such little

Front 35

According to Barth, without 'this' dogmatics wouldn't be necessary?

Back 35

The proclamation, and the importance in PX of the need for a right proclamation.

Front 36

Where does dogmatic theology fit in with exegesis and practical theology?

Back 36

It fits right in the middle. It takes the biblical material which is exegeted from the text and then creates the proclamation or kerygma which the practical theologians will then teach how to present.

Front 37

What is the special task of Church History for Barth?

Back 37

Its job is encyclopaedic. Its place in the scheme of the Biblical, Systematic, Practical is to be everywhere in the scheme

Front 38

What attitude must the Dogmatic theologian take towards the received tradition?

Back 38

One that is always critical and wary that the church may go astray

Front 39

By what standard must dogmatics always be judged?

Back 39

The Word of God, the standard of the Holy Scriptures

Front 40

For Barth, do the Fathers have an equal footing as the Scriptures?

Back 40

No, they are not the Word of God, but they are to be respected as we are called honour our fathers and mothers

Front 41

What is the end goal of Church Dogmatics?

Back 41

To improve the form of Church proclamation.

Front 42

What does Barth say about the authorship of the Apostles Creed?

Back 42

That it is not by the Apostles but written in the third century and goes back to the community of Christians in Rome.

Front 43

Does Barth believe that it is necessary to do dogmatics with the Creed and follow a 'father son and holy spirit' outline?

Back 43

No, this way is simple and follows a traditional form and thus it is an appropriate method, though certainly not the only one.

Front 44

How do the table of contents follow in Barth's dogmatics in outline?

Back 44

First he has several chapters on the task of dogmatics and several on faith and as knowledge and confession. So essentially preliminary methodological stuff, followed by the creed, father son and spirit.