This study examines the significance of the historical Jesus within Karl Barth’s doctrine of reconciliation, focusing on how theological decisions are articulated in Kirchliche Dogmatik (KD), particularly in Christology.
The investigation proceeds in two steps. First, it outlines the state of historical Jesus research at the time volume IV/2 of the KD was written, providing a brief overview of what Barth might have known from contemporary New Testament scholarship. This section does not delve deeply into the ‘third quest’ or the most recent developments but instead establishes the background for Barth’s theological decisions, particularly in §64.3.
Since the concept of the Royal Man reflects a transformation of the traditional doctrine of the munus regium (the royal office of Christ), the study begins by briefly outlining the structure of KD IV, emphasizing theological shifts and related decisions. The second step involves analyzing Barth’s treatment of the Royal Man, with particular focus on his kenotic Christology. Barth presents the Royal Man as homo per eccellenza—the human being par excellence—who corresponds to God’s mode of being. Substitution, in this context, is total rather than partial. As Eberhard Jüngel notes, Barth pursues an «uncompromising theology,» wherein the Royal Man embodies a «revaluation of all values.»
The study emphasizes how Barth constructs his arguments, restructures traditional theology, and places Jesus of Nazareth, as the Royal Man, at the center of his Christology. This centrality is particularly evident in Barth’s doctrine of reconciliation, which is characterized here as «narrative exegesis.» While Barth’s individual exegetical decisions are open to critique, his broader conclusions—especially in light of recent developments in New Testament research (e.g., the question of «the remembered Christ»)—remain valuable for consideration.
