Emil Brunner Quotes
- Theologian and professor of systematic theology
- Switzerland
- 1889
Emil Brunner (1889-1966) was a Swiss theologian and philosopher who was a major figure in the Neo-Orthodox movement. He is best known for his works The Divine Imperative (1937) and The Mediator (1934). He argued that the Bible is the source of all truth and that it should be the basis for all Christ…Read More
Emil Brunner (1889-1966) was a Swiss theologian and philosopher who was a major figure in the Neo-Orthodox movement. He is best known for his works The Divine Imperative (1937) and The Mediator (1934). He argued that the Bible is the source of all truth and that it should be the basis for all Christian theology. He also argued that the church should be the center of Christian life and that it should be the source of all moral and ethical guidance. He was a strong advocate for social justice and was critical of both liberalism and modernism. His works had a major influence on 20th century theology and continue to be studied today.Read Less
Emil Brunner (1889-1966) was a Swiss theologian and philosopher who was a major figure in the Neo-Orthodox movement. He is best known for his works The Divine Imperative (1937) and The Mediator (1934). He argued that the Bible is the source of all truth and that it should be the basis for all Christian theology. He also argued that the church should be the center of Christian life and that it should be the source of all moral and ethical guidance. He was a strong advocate for social justice and was critical of both liberalism and modernism. His works had a major influence on 20th century theology and continue to be studied today.
5 Best Emil Brunner Quotes
Emil Brunner Career Highlights
Emil Brunner was a Swiss theologian and professor who made significant contributions to the field of Christian theology. He was born on December 23, 1889, in Winterthur, Switzerland. Brunner studied theology at the universities of Zurich, Berlin, and Marburg, and received his doctorate in theology from the University of Zurich in 1913.After completing his studies, Brunner served as a pastor in the Swiss Reformed Church for a short time before becoming a professor of systematic and practical theology at the University of Zurich in 1924. He held this position until 1955, when he moved to the United States to teach at Princeton Theological Seminary. He retired from teaching in 1962 and returned to Switzerland, where he continued to write and lecture until his death in 1966.
Key Contributions by Emil Brunner
Brunner is best known for his contributions to the field of systematic theology, particularly his development of the concept of “natural theology.” He argued that human reason and experience can lead to knowledge of God, and that this knowledge is essential for understanding the Christian faith. This idea was in contrast to the prevailing view at the time, which held that knowledge of God could only be obtained through divine revelation.Brunner also made significant contributions to the study of Christian ethics, emphasizing the importance of social justice and the responsibility of Christians to engage in the world. He was a vocal critic of Nazi ideology and spoke out against the persecution of Jews during World War II.
What Sets Emil Brunner Apart
Brunner’s approach to theology was characterized by his commitment to engaging with contemporary culture and addressing the pressing issues of his time. He believed that theology should not be confined to the academic realm, but should be relevant and accessible to all people.Brunner’s work also stood out for its ecumenical nature, as he sought to bridge the divide between Protestant and Catholic theology. He engaged in dialogue with Catholic theologians and was a key figure in the formation of the World Council of Churches.
Takeaways
Emil Brunner’s contributions to Christian theology continue to be influential today. His emphasis on the importance of reason and experience in understanding God, as well as his commitment to social justice, have shaped the way many Christians think about their faith. His work also serves as a reminder of the importance of engaging with the world and addressing contemporary issues in theology.