Metakritische Theologie. Überlegungen zu Gegenstand und Methode der Theologie im Gespräch mit Oswald Bayer

Abstract

In discussion with Oswald Bayer's concept of theology this essay deals with the question of subject and method of theology. Bayer's understanding of theology can be clearified by the term metacritique which was first used in the debate on Kant's Critique of pure reason by Johann Georg Hamann. Thus it also describes the peculiarity of theological knowledge with regard to science, philosophy and metaphysics. Metacritical theology medi ates between science and wisdom. On the one hand it functions as radical criticism, even more critical than critical philosophy, that denies its own preconditions; on the other hand it surpasses the criticism if attempting to follow the motion of the Word of God and subordi nating itself of the knowledge of faith. The Word is the sole principle in theology (Johann Gerhard), but only discernible in many mediations and fractures by which the distinction between Law und Gospel has to be made time and again. Theological knowledge following the dramatic motion of the Word is as distinct from scientific knowledge as the conduct of the justified in faith is distinct from moral conduct in a general sense. Both, knowledge and conduct, are completed in the unity of faith and love.