The Neo-Orthodox Theology of W. W. Bryden: 56 (Princeton Theological Monograph)

A biographical study on the Theology of W. W. Bryden. Walter Bryden whose students remember him as an inspiring teacher and provocative exponent of Christian faith at a critical time in Canadian church history has suffered the fate of many Canadians: neglect by his own countrymen. Vissers lucid and well-documented study of this important Protestant scholar will help greatly to re-establish Brydens place in the evolution of Christian theology in the Canadian context. --Douglas John Hall C.M. Professor of Christian Theology Emeritus McGill University Vissers splendid study of Walter Bryden introduces a new generation to the importance of a leading scholar who in the 1930s introduced the emerging neo-orthodoxy of Karl Barth to the Canadian church and to key students who themselves became significant theologians. Reacting to the idealism and rationalism of his times in sharp contrast to the prevailing Liberal Theology Bryden--like Barth--emphasized Gods definitive revelation in Jesus Christ who pronounces a Judging-Saving Word to the world. A theology of Gods Word and Spirit is the true source for the churchs renewal. Brydens influence in the Canadian Presbyterian Church was monumental as he worked out the implications of Barths theological approach for his Canadian context. Vissers study engagingly conveys the thought and influence of Bryden who called the church to theological engagement with issues that are still of vital importance today. --Donald K. McKim Editor of the Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith and How Karl Barth Changed My Mind Walter Bryden of Knox College articulated a consistent evangelical theology during an embattled lifetime. This fine work is a fitting tribute to one who anticipated rather than echoed Neo-orthodoxy for the North American scene. His prophetic teaching rejected both the fashionable liberalism of the age as well as what he termed Rational Orthodoxy those whose motto could well be Always Having Been Reformed. Almost single-handedly he saved the continuing Presbyterian Church in Canada from obscurantism. Vissers book is a sympathetic yet critical account of a neglected voice that deserves to be heard today. --Joseph C. McLelland Professor of Philosophy of Religion Emeritus McGill University John A. Vissers is Principal at The Presbyterian College in Montreal. He is also Director of the Montreal School of Theology and Faculty Lecturer in Christian Theology at McGill University.