There are quite a number of theological paradoxes. The one you will probably like the most is the paradox of how the transcendent God became immanent and particular in the Incarnation.
As Barth explains it: 'Christ is God's self revelation in history, the Word became flesh, God Himself became historical and empirical.'
What's the paradox in Cain and Abel?
Barth's claim creates more questions than it explains.
Yes but it does not say 'best' but 'first'. It is easy to select either of these. 'First Fruits' are simply the first that ripen, firstborn is simply the eldest.
And firstborn are more sacrificial as they have been more invested in, more cared for by time, are the largest, fattest and you will have a greater relationship with them.
Unless, of course, your firstborn is one of a set of twins, in which case they are likely to be smaller
The paradox in Cain and Abel is that the younger son is preferred over the older son. And this is a constant theme of the Bible: Isaac and Ishmael, Esau and Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David.
Barth's claim creates more questions than it explains.
Par for the course for Barth; he is not a theologian for people who want easy, simple answers. As often as not, his answers will involve the tension of paradox. And I think he is rarely quotable*—not because what he says isn't worth quoting, but because something the size of a quotable quote is usually packed in a larger passage that provides the context necessary to understand where he's coming from.
Reading Barth is work, but it's well worth it, IMO.
* That said, the old quotable story about Barth being asked if he could summarize his theology in one sentence and responding "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so does appear appear to be based in fact.
Sorry for the double post, but I have Sirius XM radio's "On Broadway" channel playing in the background, and as I finished up my last post, the wonderful "Lost in the Wilderness," which Cain sings to Abel in Stephen Schwartz's "Children of Eden," came on. It seemed worth sharing, if for no reason other than the timing.
The paradox in Cain and Abel is that the younger son is preferred over the older son. And this is a constant theme of the Bible: Isaac and Ishmael, Esau and Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David.
This is quite normal re Barth.
That's the Bible for you. Countercultural.
Barth's soundbite is superficially nice. Be doesn't deconstruct well at all. It isn't history or empiricism. But a proposition of that. Which has to stand up against the backdrop of actual history and further empiricism and beyond with rationalism.
And always a pleasure @Nick Tamen - to read you and what comes shining through.
Comments
What's the paradox in Cain and Abel?
Barth's claim creates more questions than it explains.
Unless, of course, your firstborn is one of a set of twins, in which case they are likely to be smaller
The paradox in Cain and Abel is that the younger son is preferred over the older son. And this is a constant theme of the Bible: Isaac and Ishmael, Esau and Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David.
This is quite normal re Barth.
Reading Barth is work, but it's well worth it, IMO.
* That said, the old quotable story about Barth being asked if he could summarize his theology in one sentence and responding "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so does appear appear to be based in fact.
That's the Bible for you. Countercultural.
Barth's soundbite is superficially nice. Be doesn't deconstruct well at all. It isn't history or empiricism. But a proposition of that. Which has to stand up against the backdrop of actual history and further empiricism and beyond with rationalism.
And always a pleasure @Nick Tamen - to read you and what comes shining through.