relationship with the Trinity. Karl Barth (1886-1968), arguably the most prominent
theologian of the twentieth-century, is best known for his massive thirteen volume
Church Dogmatics, that unfortunately were uncompleted due to his death. Barth has
been selected because of his prominence and the significant influence of his theology
on numerous Reformed theologians. Indeed his misgivings and ever cautious anxiety
regarding experience and contemplative piety are somewhat typical of others within
the Reformed and Evangelical tradition, at least until recent years. Therefore, an
examination of Barth will enable readers to better understand the Reformed resistance
and apprehensions to contemplative piety. In similar fashion, the Dutch theologian
Herman Bavinck serves as a corrective to the myopic vision of Barth in considering
the possibility for retrieval of a Reformed contemplative piety. For present purposes,
I am using Barth and Bavinck solely as conversation partners in relation to the
specific question of resistance and retrieval. In the previous chapters of this thesis
four main themes were surveyed from the writings of Isaac Ambrose: the importance
of unio mystica or spiritual marriage, the role of experience of God, spiritual practices
and contemplative experiences, and the language of delight and enjoyment. These
four central themes of Ambrose will now be used to examine the theology of Barth
and Bavinck and their perception of a contemplative-mystical piety. It will soon
become evident that Ambrose and others in the seventeenth-century previously
articulated some of Barth’s criticisms waged against experience and mysticism in the
twentieth-century and therefore, serve as a wise reminder for contemporary efforts of
retrieval. However, it will also be clear that some of Barth’s disparagement was
significantly distorted by his own context and may have limited significance for
today.
axel boer
(Axel Boer)
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