Karl Barth and the Resurrection of the Flesh

Synopsis: Early Christian writers preferred to speak of the coming resurrection in the most bodily way possible: the resurrection of the flesh. Twentieth-century theologian Karl Barth took the same avenue, daring to speak of humans' eternal life in rather striking corporeal terms. In this study, Nathan Hitchcock pulls together Barth's doctrine of the resurrection of the flesh, anticipating what the great thinker might have said more systematically in volume V of his Church Dogmatics. Provocatively, Hitchcock goes on to argue that Barth's description of the resurrection--as eternalization, as manifestation, as incorporation--bears much in common with some unlikely programs and, contrary to its intention, jeopardizes the very contours of human life it hopes to preserve. In addition to contributing to Barth studies, this book offers a sober warning to theologians pursuing eschatology through notions of participation. Endorsements: "In this engaging monograph, Hitchcock offers a challenging exploration and analysis of Karl Barth's theology of the resurrection. This is detailed in its presentation, provocative in its critique, and lucid throughout. Hitchcock's study is set to be an important conversation partner in the fields of Barth studies in particular and eschatology in general." --Paul T. Nimmo, Lecturer of Theology, New College, Edinburgh "No doubt, Barth confessed the resurrection of the flesh. But in three careful and daring soundings of Barth's theology of the resurrection, Hitchcock puts his finger on the sore spot: that the conceptual structure of his Christology and eschatology does not allow for the very confession Barth wants to make. No further research on Barth's writing on resurrection and eschatology should ignore this insightful and clearly written book." --Edwin Chr. van Driel, Assistant Professor of Theology, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary "In this profound and sophisticated study Nathan Hitchcock explores what has been an astonishingly undertreated feature of [Barth's] work. He depicts the role of carnal resurrection, with regard to the eschatological binding of persons to the salvific history of God's humanization, and the locus of life as reconciled life being redeemed through the categories of eternalization, manifestation, and incorporation. Readers will be swept along by Hitchcock's deft critical touch." --John C. McDowell, Professor of Theology, University of Newcastle, New South Wales Author Biography: Nathan Hitchcock is Assistant Professor of Church History and Theology at Sioux Falls Seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.