Die ökumenischen Potentiale der Theologie Karl Barths. Facetten einer eigenen Konzeptualisierung

Abstract

Abstract The ecumenical potential of Barth’s theology goes far beyond his direct participation in the ecumenical movement. The denominational character of his theology is always transcended by the act of confession which the church again and again has to formulate anew in its respective time and space. The denominational tradition remains welcome as assistance but can never take the place of the act of confessing. The contextuality of theology is essentially connected to its catholicity. Focusing on the first commandment, Barth reminds us that even the Church itself can succumb to the temptation of filling the place of God with self-imagined gods. The most promising ecumenical potential of Barth’s theology can be found in his Covenant theology according to which - based on his doctrine of election - Israel and the church are inextricably entwined with each other in the one congregation of God. The consequences this implies for ecumenism have yet to be drawn.