The Christology of Karl Barth and Matta Al-Miskin

Abstract

In The Christology of Karl Barth and Matta al-Miskīn, Hani Hanna argues that two of the most renowned theologians of the twentieth century, Karl Barth and Matta al-Miskīn (Matthew the Poor), redefine the reality of God and humanity christologically in similar ways. Both theologians achieve this redefinition using historical rubrics that are closer to Scripture than the traditional metaphysical categories borrowed from Greek philosophy. Rooted in their respective Reformed and Coptic Orthodox traditions, their works can be placed in a dialogue that takes into account modern concerns about history, revelation, and human agency. By providing an in-depth analysis of both men’s christologies, Hanna also finds that Barth and Matta’s christological view of reality has implications for interfaith and intercultural dialogues today.