Thomas R.V. Forster

Gebundenes Buch

Eduard Böhl's (1836-1903) Concept for a Re-Emergence of Reformation Thought

Beschreibung

Nineteenth-century continental theology is usually associated with the classic liberal Protestantism of Schleiermacher and Ritschl. On the other side of the theological divide there was the Dutch Neo-Calvinist school, a sharp reaction to liberalism. Yet the theological realm of that era also included the Kohlbrügge school, which founded its theological method upon the «Older Testament» and re-read and applied the documents of the Reformation for its time. The most important representative of this school is Eduard Böhl (1836-1903), who advocated a return to Reformed doctrine and church order and a strong Christological reading of the Old Testament. He also rejected historical criticism, for which he was subjected to censure. Moving into the field of systematics, Böhl suggested a new reading of «the image of God». His peculiar understanding of the imago Dei was also his biggest contribution to theological anthropology; this in turn influenced his views on Christology and salvation.Although Böhl saw himself as a Reformed theologian, he would cross swords with those who claimed the same for themselves. Böhl especially valued the teachings of Martin Luther, whom he held as a better exegete than the Genevan Reformer. Böhl's theology is best captured as Reformation theology within the context of the Kohlbrügge school. Although the names of Luther and Calvin are well known in church history, and to a lesser degree, so is Kohlbrügge's, Böhl's is not. This historico-theological account of Böhl's life and work sheds some rare but much-needed shafts of light on a theologian who has wrongfully fallen into oblivion.

Produktdetails

• American University Studies 278
• Verlag: Peter Lang
• Artikelnr. des Verlages: 310354
• Seitenzahl: 279
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 19mm x 150mm x 225mm
• Gewicht: 530g
• ISBN-13: 9781433103544
• ISBN-10: 1433103540
• Artikelnr.: 27701862

Rezensionen

«Rooted in extensive textual and archival research, developed comprehensively and set forth with real care, this study of the theology of Eduard Böhl provides an expert assessment of his achievement. By ably setting Böhl's work firmly within the distinctive currents of modern Protestant thought that encompassed and influenced him, Thomas R. V. Forster recommends Böhl and his ideas to the present as one of the more remarkable Reformed theologians of the late nineteenth century.» (Philip G. Ziegler, Lecturer in Systematic Theology, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland)
«A long-standing wish of mine has been fulfilled by the publication of this thorough study of the life and works of Eduard Böhl. The author knowledgeably

proves that Böhl's work fully corresponds with that of his teacher H. F. Kohlbrügge. Forster's conclusion that Böhl's doctrine can be called 'Verheissungstheologie' is a sound reflection of what students of Kohlbrügge still stand for.» (Teus van Es, Translator into Dutch of Works by H. F. Kohlbrügge)
«Thomas R. V. Forster has put together the first comprehensive review of Eduard Böhl's theology in English, and one of very few thorough studies of this unjustly neglected thinker in any language. Making extensive use of Böhl's correspondence and occasional writings as well as his major dogmatic works, Forster gives us a vivid sense of the confessional and ecclesial commitments that shaped Böhl's development of Reformed theology in the wake of the work of his father-in-law, Kohlbrügge. Surprisingly, Böhl's unique development of the confessional themes of the Reformers in terms of a strongly unified reading of Scripture is a significant parallel to contemporary movements in Anglo-American theology.» (Ian A. McFarland, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia)
«Eduard Böhl has long been a curiously neglected figure in studies of nineteenth-century dogmatic and biblical theology. Students of the period will welcome this careful, sympathetic, and engaging portrayal of his life and work. While documenting Böhl's immense debt to Köhlbrügge, it also amply demonstrates the range and abiding interest of his own theological achievements, and it sheds welcome new light on his role in the history of the Reformed churches of the Dual Monarchy.» (Donald Wood, Lecturer in Systematic Theology, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland)