From Dialectics to Dialogue

Chapter 4 shows how Brunner employs a doctrine of encounter to unite epistemic and personalist interests by drawing on dialogical philosophy, particularly that of Ferdinand Ebner and Martin Buber. Emil Brunner’s theology, while remaining characteristically dialectical, is fundamentally shaped by the principles of dialogical philosophy. This chapter establishes Brunner’s dialogical credentials by examining of his 1937 lectures on theological epistemology, Truth as Encounter . In this formal epistemology, encounter becomes the hermeneutic through which Brunner appraises the life of faith and its theological content. The chapter is divided into four sections. The first section describes Ebner and Buber’s dialogical thought. The second section details Brunner’s published lectures, Truth as Encounter . The closing sections of explore the application of truth as encounter within Brunner’s theology. The first of these investigates two inherent difficulties of dialogical thinking: an ironic relation between its non-descriptive emphases and descriptive exposition; and the precarious balancing act of critiquing ‘I-It’ thinking without undermining its necessity. The fourth and final section of Chapter 4 examines Brunner’s application of encounter within his anthropology ( Man in Revolt ) and the apologetic function of his Revelation and Reason .