Abstract

Ivan Podgorelec:
Discourse about Mary, not Mariology:
the Figure of Mary in Karl Barth
(FKTh 2017-4, p. 287–303)

The article summarizes the doctoral thesis of the author about Mary in the theology of Karl Barth. In the tradition of Reformed theology, Karl Barth in his debate with Catholic theology has written extensively about Mary and Mariology so that it is possible to elaborate a fruitful study. The »discourse about Mary« (Marienrede) of Barth comprehends all important Mariological topics, such as the four Marian dogmas, the cooperation of Mary in Redemption, the biblical figure of Mary, Marian devotion, Mary and the Church etc. Nevertheless Barth criticizes Catholic Mariology very strongly and refutes it. At the end of his life, however, there has a change: the reformed theologian recognizes the importance of Mariology also for Protestant theology.