Wolfhart Pannenbergs Vorlesung "Theologie der Vernunft"

Abstract

Pannenberg's Theology of Reason Greive's contribution gives an outline of Pannenberg's lecture course on the theology of reason, which is the backbone of his whole theology. He developed the theology of reason during the 60ies of the last century. The introduction of the lecture course highlights two problems: faith and reason and reason and authority. Pannenberg emphasizes that only a sophisticated understanding of reason brings a relevant perspective for theology. In the mainpart he first distinguishes five types of reason in the history of philosophy: 1. receptive reason, 2. creative reason (a priori reason), 3. openess of reason, 4. reflective reason, 5. the historical openess of reason (here Dilthey is the key!). Second - on the basis of the historicity of reason - he clarifies reason in its relationship to: language, logic, metaphysics, faith and science. In Pannenberg's systematic reflection upon the infinite presupposition of reason he indicates the importance of Hegel and Heidegger. Addressing the issue of reality and its definition he treats the problem of verification in metaphysics and in theology. The focus of the lecture course is the anticipation of truth in reason and faith in view of the tension between them.