Synopses & Reviews
Hans W. Frei (1922-1988) was one of the most influential American theologians of his generation. Early in his career he drew attention to the importance of biblical narratives; he helped make Karl Barth once again a creative voice in contemporary theology; and he served as a model of what his colleague, George Lindbeck, has called "postliberal theology." This volume collects ten of Frei's lectures and essays, many of them never before published. Addressing audiences of theologians, biblical scholars, and literary critics, Frei explores the implications of his work for hermeneutics and Christology, and discusses Barth, Schleiermacher, and his own teacher, H. Richard Niebuhr. William Placher has provided an introduction to Frei's life and work, and the volume ends with an essay by George Hunsinger on Frei's significance for theology today. This collection provides an unrivaled introduction to Frei's work.
Review
"An academically respectable and religiously faithful attempt to see the world in the light of the Bible, rather than the other way around...This book will not disappoint those deeply concerned about hermeneutics, trained in its concepts, and interested in Frei's contribution to the field."--Christian Century
"Theology and Narrative:Selected Essays...is a model of its genre."--Expository Times
"[This book] belongs in any library with significant holdings in theology."--Religious Studies Review
"Theology and Narrative currently provides the single best introduction to Frei's thought....All the essays collected in the volume exhibit the richness and density of thought that Frei's readers have come to expect from him."--Modern Theology
"Frei's work constitutes a serious challenge to the generalizing theories of modern hermeneutics."--Southwestern Journal of Theology