The Word in Question: Barth and Divine Conversation

Abstract

In Barth's theology, faith is the determination of human beings by the Word of God. Critical response sees a fundamental difficulty in the totalizing impact of God's Word, leaving no room for human freedom and initiative. One means of resolving this difficulty is to reconsider the form of God's address. Whereas Barth implies that God always speaks in the indicative or prescriptive voices, the Bible also presents God as one who asks questions. A development of Brueggemann's theology of divine rhetoric allows us to speak of God the conversationalist while preserving Barth's stress upon divine initiative. The divine-human conversation includes elements of invitation, exploration and the gathering of consensus. In this context, faith involves responsive engagement with divine questions and is not limited to belief and obedience. Doubt and protest can also find positive expression within the divine conversation.