Project Director
Yeager, Jonathan
Department Examiner
Welsh, Talia; Ribeiro, Brian
Publisher
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Place of Publication
Chattanooga (Tenn.)
Abstract
This paper examines the theological intersections and divergences between Karl Barth and Søren Kierkegaard, focusing on their conceptualizations of God's transcendence. Barth, influential in the twentieth century, viewed divine knowledge as accessible only through Jesus Christ's revelation, critiquing any historical or metaphysical bases for such knowledge. He was significantly influenced by Kierkegaard, who emphasized paradox and the "infinite qualitative distinction." This study traces Barth's evolving thoughts on transcendence across his works, including his critiques of Kierkegaard in his later years. While some scholars suggest a shared theological trajectory based on transcendence, this paper argues for nuanced differences, engaging with the interpretations of scholars like Alastair McKinnon and George Pattison. This paper seeks to clarify the theological dialogue between these two influential figures, suggesting that Barth’s later works and critiques might still align with Kierkegaard's foundational ideas on transcendence, albeit through a complex interplay of acceptance and reinterpretation.
Degree
B. A.; An honors thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
Date
5-2024
Subject
Hermeneutics--Religious aspects--Christianity; Philosophical theology; Revelation--Christianity; Transcendence of God
Name
Barth, Karl, 1886-1968 ; Kierkegaard, Søren, 1813-1855
Discipline
Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Document Type
Theses
Extent
iii, 46 leaves
DCMI Type
Text
Language
English
Rights
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Recommended Citation
Myrick, Andrew, "Transcendence in Kierkegaard and Barth" (2024). Honors Theses.
https://scholar.utc.edu/honors-theses/459
Department
Dept. of Philosophy and Religion