Dogmatics

"In the realm of doctrine the Christian Church has always recognised a twofold task: one concerning the Church itself; the other concerning the outside world, the world of doubt and unbelief. Although, at a time like the present, the conflict with unbelief and false ideologies may seem the more urgent one, yet the first task is always fundamental. For how can the Church do justice to her missionary calling in an un-Christian world if she is not herself clear about the content of her message? All down her history the Christian Church has given much thought to the basis, meaning and content of the message she has received - and is bound to proclaim; this process of reflection is what we mean by 'dogmatics'." - From the Introduction. Available in three volumes, this is one of the great works of 20th Century theology. Brunner presents a profoundly biblical systematic theology, finding a path between the ideas of Barth and Bultmann. The third volume covers the doctrine of the Church and of Faith, presenting the nature of the Church as a reflection of God's self-revelation through the Holy Spirit, and the Consummation in eternity of the Divine Self-communication.