Hans Frei and Karl Barth: Different Ways of Reading Scripture

Endorsements: Karl Barth and Hans Frei are close to the center of contemporary hermeneutical debate. David Demsons illuminating study offers an authoritative account of their respective ways of reading Scripture arguing that for all its fruitfulness Freis work lacks a theology of inspiration such as Barth provides. Scrupulous and nuanced in its handling of the texts this book is a perceptive contribution to the literature of both Frei and Barth. It is also a place to begin exploring key theological issues concerning biblical interpretation theory of interpretation and Christology. --John Webster Oxford University The whole of Christian discourse is contained in the tiny glittering questions that Demson so marvelously brings to light. His work is the work of a hermeneutical master in the service of other hermeneutical masters--Hans Frei and Karl Barth. The result is a brilliant restatement of Frei on the identity of Jesus Christ--amplified and qualified by astute attention to Barth. An outstanding contribution to the ecclesial reading of Holy Scripture. --George Hunsinger Center of Theological Inquiry Taking a narrow focus--a single difference in the interpretation of Scripture by two twentieth-century theologians--Demson has succeeded in opening up a wide theme. Here is a fascinating account of how the reading of the Bible remains a living challenge for contemporary Christians. --Kenneth Hamilton University of Winnipeg A careful description and able comparison of two significant theologians expositions of the Gospel accounts of Jesus ministry passion and resurrection. Demson who is impartial but not neutral in his stance provides helpful synthetic insight into how Barth and Frei each treat a broad theological theme and at the same time gives readers constructive proposals for explicating New Testament texts. This book is a welcome contribution to all for whom attending to the Bible and doing theology are inseparable. --H. Martin Ruscheidt Atlantic School of Theology Author Biography: David E. Demson is professor of systematic theology at Emmanuel College University of Toronto and serves on the Board of Directors of the Karl Barth Society of North America.