The Relationship Between Dogmatics and Ethics in the Thought of Elert, Barth, and Troeltsch

Authors

Edward H. Schroeder, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Publication Date

12-1-1965

Document Type

Article

Keywords

law, dogmatics, ethics, dogma, kerygma, gospel, christian, elert, faith, confessions, theological, revelation, barth, troeltsch

Submission Type

Bible Study; Lecture; Sermon Prep

Abstract

A concern for dogmatics and a concern for ethics do not always go together. The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, for example, has always had a strong dogmatic tradition, but has in general been uninterested in what is commonly called ethics. But this is the opposite of the situation in many other American denominations. To put the problem into a broader perspective, what is the relationship between dogmatics and ethics? A helpful approach is to study the distinctive answers given by Werner Elert, Karl Barth, and Ernst Troeltsch, which prove to be distinctive not only because their personal theological convictions differ, but also because they reflect quite clearly the three major traditions which they openly espoused: Lutheran, Reformed, and Enthusiastic-Spiritualist Christianity.

Disciplines

Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Scripture References in this Resource (separated by semi-colons)

2 Corinthians 5:19;

Submission Cost

Free

Submission Audience

Laity; Ministers; Scholars

Recommended Citation

Schroeder, Edward H. (1965) "The Relationship Between Dogmatics and Ethics in the Thought of Elert, Barth, and Troeltsch," Concordia Theological Monthly: Vol. 36, Article 62.
Available at: https://scholar.csl.edu/ctm/vol36/iss1/62