LE3 .A278 1999

1999

MacRae, Andrew

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Theology

Acadia Divinity College

This thesis examines and presents a critique of Karl Barth's doctrine of the male-female relationship. The pertinent texts are to be found primarily in three volumes of the Church Dogmatics within his doctrine of creation: III/1, III/2 and III/4. Through his analysis of the Genesis 1:26-31 and 2:21-25 creation stories, Barth sees the division of humanity into two sexes as fundamental to an understanding of God's purpose for humanity. This division into male and female is meant to inform us about ourselves and about our relationship with one another and with God. Barth's ultimate concern is understanding humanity as a covenant partner in relationship with God. The true nature of humanity cannot be clearly seen in ourselves or others because of our sinful nature. The human creation is understood by looking to that which has been revealed about humanity in the true man Jesus. Barth's discussion of the creation of co-humanity and the relationship between man and woman covers three major areas. First, is the creation of humanity in the "image of God" as a sexually differentiated creature. Second, is our relationship as man and woman as an analogy of the triune being, the relationship between God and Israel and Jesus and the Church. The third, concerns God's command for us as men and women.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2835