Inspirational Quotes by Emil Brunner (Swiss Protestant Theologian)

Heinrich Emil Brunner (1889–1966) was a Swiss Reformed theologian known for his contributions to neo-orthodox and dialectical theology alongside Karl Barth.

Born in Winterthur, Canton of Zürich, he studied at the University of Zürich and the University of Berlin, earning a doctorate in theology (1913.) Ordained in the Swiss Reformed Church, he served as pastor in Obstalden (1916–24) before becoming a professor of systematic and practical theology at the University of Zürich, a position he held until his retirement (1953.) He was active in ecumenical movements, participating in the World Council of Churches and lecturing in the U.S. and Asia. He spent his final years as a professor at International Christian University in Tokyo (1953–55.)

Brunner emphasized Jesus as God incarnate, rejecting liberal theology’s portrayal of Christ as merely human. His works highlighted divine revelation and faith’s relationship to reason. He blended Lutheran and Reformed perspectives, opposed universal salvation, and was criticized by conservatives for his moderate neo-orthodox stance.

His early publications include The Mediator (1927,) The Theology of Crisis (1929,) and The Divine Imperative (1932.) He later explored human rebellion and divine encounter in Man in Revolt (1937) and Truth as Encounter (1937.) His major works include Revelation and Reason (1941,) Justice and the Social Order (1945,) and Christianity and Civilization (1948–49.) His three-volume Dogmatics (1946–60) remains a significant theological contribution.

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