dialectical theology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist term)Formal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “dialectical theology” mean?
A theological approach, especially prominent in early 20th-century Protestant thought, which emphasizes the radical discontinuity between God and humanity, viewing faith as a dynamic, paradoxical response to God's revelation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A theological approach, especially prominent in early 20th-century Protestant thought, which emphasizes the radical discontinuity between God and humanity, viewing faith as a dynamic, paradoxical response to God's revelation.
A method of theological reasoning that proceeds by juxtaposing opposing truths (thesis and antithesis) without synthesizing them into a comprehensive system, often stressing the 'crisis' of God's judgment and grace encountered in faith.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in theological discourse in both regions.
Connotations
Carries connotations of intellectual rigor, paradox, and a rejection of human attempts to systematize God. Can be seen as a specific historical movement or a continuing methodological approach.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside academic theology. Within that field, it is a standard, well-understood term for a specific historical school of thought.
Grammar
How to Use “dialectical theology” in a Sentence
Dialectical theology argues/emphasizes/asserts that...a central tenet of dialectical theologythe dialectical theology of Karl BarthVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dialectical theology” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Theologians sought to dialectically engage with scripture.
American English
- Barth dialectically opposed revelation to human religion.
adverb
British English
- He argued dialectically, holding grace and judgment in tension.
American English
- The revelation was understood dialectically, not systematically.
adjective
British English
- His dialectical method produced a theology of constant crisis.
American English
- Dialectical thinking is central to understanding their work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in historical, philosophical, and religious studies contexts to describe a specific 20th-century theological movement.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain of use. A precise term within theological discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dialectical theology”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dialectical theology”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dialectical theology”
- Using it to mean any theology that uses argument or debate (too broad).
- Confusing it with 'dialectical materialism'.
- Assuming it is the dominant form of modern theology.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both use the term 'dialectic,' Hegel's model (thesis-antithesis-synthesis) aims at a higher synthesis. Dialectical theology rejects such a synthesis, maintaining the tension between divine and human perspectives.
The Swiss theologian Karl Barth is considered its foremost figure, especially through his seminal commentary 'The Epistle to the Romans' (1919).
As a defined school, its peak was c. 1920-1960. However, its methodological emphasis on revelation, paradox, and critique of religion continues to influence Protestant and post-liberal theology.
It derives from the Greek 'krisis,' meaning 'judgment.' It refers to the moment of encounter where God's word judges and nullifies all human religious and moral achievements.
A theological approach, especially prominent in early 20th-century Protestant thought, which emphasizes the radical discontinuity between God and humanity, viewing faith as a dynamic, paradoxical response to God's revelation.
Dialectical theology is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Dialectical theology: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.əˌlek.tɪ.kəl θiˈɒl.ə.dʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.əˌlek.tɪ.kəl θiˈɑː.lə.dʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the dialectic of grace and judgment”
- “the infinite qualitative distinction”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think DIALECTICAL = DIALOGUE + CRITICAL. It's a theology built on a critical dialogue between opposing divine truths (e.g., God's holiness vs. human sinfulness).
Conceptual Metaphor
THEOLOGY IS A DIALOGUE/CONVERSATION (between God's revelation and human understanding, which never reaches a final synthesis).
Practice
Quiz
Dialectical theology is primarily a reaction against: