Neoorthodoxy: an Introductory Survey

Neoorthodoxy arose as a reaction to the theological liberalism that had ravaged the German Church in the 19th and early 20th century. In opposition to classic Liberal theology which had reduced Christianity to little more than moralism and a “feeling of dependence” upon a God who was immanent in the world, the Neoorthodox theologian reasserted the transcendence of God, the sinfulness of man, the reality of the deity of Jesus Christ and the human need of redemption. Neoorthodoxy had a profound influence in America between WWI and WWII among the mainline denominations. In the past 50 years that influence has shifted to the conservative and evangelical branches of American Christianity.This essay focuses upon the historical context out of which Neo-orthodoxy arose, its major figures, its theological method, its contributions as well as its weaknesses.