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Understanding Pannenberg: Landmark Theologian of the Twentieth Century
Wolfhart Pannenberg has forever changed the face of twentieth-century theology. His book on Christology constituted a turning-point away from Bultmann's existentialist theology, and convincingly vindicated belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus and its importance for theology. His numerous other works, especially his Systematic Theology, Theological Anthropology, and Theology and the Philosophy of Science, show both depth of learning and an unsurpassed and enviable range of interests.
This book aims to explain the vast scope of Pannenberg's thought, his understanding of the sovereignty and majesty of the God as the God of all reality (not only Israel and the church), who also revealed himself in Jesus Christ. Jesus is not simply the pre-resurrection Jesus of many Gospel narratives, but the raised and exalted Christ of the whole New Testament. Pannenberg shines a light on the centrality of futurity, and of the whole of reality in God's purposes. Meaning becomes clear in the light of the whole, as his hermeneutics explains. He expounds the role of God as Trinity and the Holy Spirit. His vision of God and the whole world is breath-taking, and often heartening and practical.
"Wolfhart Pannenberg's reputation as one of the great theologians of the twentieth century has been confirmed by the attention recently accorded his magisterial three-volume Systematic Theology. In this engaging exposition, Anthony Thiselton explores the central themes and approach of his theology. Admirably lucid in style and comprehensive in scope, his study of Pannenberg will provide an invaluable resource for readers today."
--David Fergusson, Professor of Divinity and Principal of New College, University of Edinburgh
"In this concise yet illuminating volume, Anthony Thiselton offers the reader an introduction to the work of Wolfhart Pannenberg, one of the most neglected figures of twentieth-century theology. With characteristic verve and insight, Thiselton depicts the highways and vistas of Pannenberg's thinking, drawing attention to its context and its originality while offering perceptive lines of critique. For those seeking a trustworthy guide to Pannenberg, this book is an ideal choice."
--Paul T. Nimmo, King's Chair of Systematic Theology, University of Aberdeen, Scotland
Anthony Thiselton, FBA, is Emeritus Professor of Christian Theology in the University of Nottingham.
This book aims to explain the vast scope of Pannenberg's thought, his understanding of the sovereignty and majesty of the God as the God of all reality (not only Israel and the church), who also revealed himself in Jesus Christ. Jesus is not simply the pre-resurrection Jesus of many Gospel narratives, but the raised and exalted Christ of the whole New Testament. Pannenberg shines a light on the centrality of futurity, and of the whole of reality in God's purposes. Meaning becomes clear in the light of the whole, as his hermeneutics explains. He expounds the role of God as Trinity and the Holy Spirit. His vision of God and the whole world is breath-taking, and often heartening and practical.
"Wolfhart Pannenberg's reputation as one of the great theologians of the twentieth century has been confirmed by the attention recently accorded his magisterial three-volume Systematic Theology. In this engaging exposition, Anthony Thiselton explores the central themes and approach of his theology. Admirably lucid in style and comprehensive in scope, his study of Pannenberg will provide an invaluable resource for readers today."
--David Fergusson, Professor of Divinity and Principal of New College, University of Edinburgh
"In this concise yet illuminating volume, Anthony Thiselton offers the reader an introduction to the work of Wolfhart Pannenberg, one of the most neglected figures of twentieth-century theology. With characteristic verve and insight, Thiselton depicts the highways and vistas of Pannenberg's thinking, drawing attention to its context and its originality while offering perceptive lines of critique. For those seeking a trustworthy guide to Pannenberg, this book is an ideal choice."
--Paul T. Nimmo, King's Chair of Systematic Theology, University of Aberdeen, Scotland
Anthony Thiselton, FBA, is Emeritus Professor of Christian Theology in the University of Nottingham.
Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2018
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About the author
Anthony C. Thiselton
53 books23 followersAnthony Charles Thiselton is emeritus professor of Christian theology at the University of Nottingham and a fellow of the British Academy. His recent publications include Approaching Philosophy of Religion, Discovering Romans, Systematic Theology, The Holy Spirit, and The Last Things.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 4, 2020
This is an excellent mini-survey of Wolfhart Pannenberg’s corpus. Thiselton touches on all the key points without getting too technical. Unfortunately, he sometimes pays a price of sacrificing depth for clarity. Numerous sections needed more detail. Notwithstanding, this is a highly recommended introduction to Wolfhart Pannenberg.
While Pannenberg’s theology is inadequate in many areas, he does represent a crucial break from early neo-orthodox models. Bultmann, for example, dissolves historicity into existential crisis. Barth is a gnostic.
God as Trinity and Absolute
Pannenberg faces the challenge of Hegel head-on. He is also aware of the influence Hegel had on the social aspect of Trinitarianism. Pannenberg is keen to point out the “reciprocal self-distinction of the Father, Son, and Spirit.” He rejects Barth’s fear of the word “person.” By way of summary, Thiselton notes that “Pannenberg’s key category is self-differentiation, which allows each person of the Trinity to be themselves and one in will.”
Pannenberg notes that the divine essence “can no longer be thought of as a relationless identity transcending the world, but must be seen as inherently [relational]” (Grenz).
The Holy Spirit, the Church, and History
The Church is not identical with the kingdom. It is a sign that points towards the kingdom. This fits in with the pilgrimage role of the church in this life.
Lord’s supper: more important to focus it around table fellowship that essentialist language of being, eating God, etc. It is a covenant meal, not a vehicle for deification. Nonetheless, Pannenberg remains true to his Lutheran heritage and follows Luther on the Eucharist.
More important than those discussions, however, is the Hebraic theme of remembrance. It is not merely my pious recollection, but a lasting reality actualized by the Holy Spirit. It is neither mental recollection nor physical re-enactment.
Election and History: Pannenberg refuses to detach election from salvation history as presented in Romans 9-11. It is the people of God as God’s possession “and constitutes God’s self-declaration “ as the “God of election, history, and human destiny.”
The Future, the Spirit, and Eternity
Anticipation of the future: anticipation links and differentiates the future and the present. Pannenberg criticizes Hegel for failing to see the Absolute in its futurity. Hegel saw only a timeless present.
Accordingly, “truth” takes on an extra dimension: it includes an openness to future disclosure.
While Pannenberg doesn’t endorse the “Greek vs. Hebrew scheme,” he does note some differences. For example, “The God of Greek philosophy really had no attributes. The eternity of the Greek God is that of empty, eternal being” (Pannenberg, What is Man? 75).
While Pannenberg’s theology is inadequate in many areas, he does represent a crucial break from early neo-orthodox models. Bultmann, for example, dissolves historicity into existential crisis. Barth is a gnostic.
God as Trinity and Absolute
Pannenberg faces the challenge of Hegel head-on. He is also aware of the influence Hegel had on the social aspect of Trinitarianism. Pannenberg is keen to point out the “reciprocal self-distinction of the Father, Son, and Spirit.” He rejects Barth’s fear of the word “person.” By way of summary, Thiselton notes that “Pannenberg’s key category is self-differentiation, which allows each person of the Trinity to be themselves and one in will.”
Pannenberg notes that the divine essence “can no longer be thought of as a relationless identity transcending the world, but must be seen as inherently [relational]” (Grenz).
The Holy Spirit, the Church, and History
The Church is not identical with the kingdom. It is a sign that points towards the kingdom. This fits in with the pilgrimage role of the church in this life.
Lord’s supper: more important to focus it around table fellowship that essentialist language of being, eating God, etc. It is a covenant meal, not a vehicle for deification. Nonetheless, Pannenberg remains true to his Lutheran heritage and follows Luther on the Eucharist.
More important than those discussions, however, is the Hebraic theme of remembrance. It is not merely my pious recollection, but a lasting reality actualized by the Holy Spirit. It is neither mental recollection nor physical re-enactment.
Election and History: Pannenberg refuses to detach election from salvation history as presented in Romans 9-11. It is the people of God as God’s possession “and constitutes God’s self-declaration “ as the “God of election, history, and human destiny.”
The Future, the Spirit, and Eternity
Anticipation of the future: anticipation links and differentiates the future and the present. Pannenberg criticizes Hegel for failing to see the Absolute in its futurity. Hegel saw only a timeless present.
Accordingly, “truth” takes on an extra dimension: it includes an openness to future disclosure.
While Pannenberg doesn’t endorse the “Greek vs. Hebrew scheme,” he does note some differences. For example, “The God of Greek philosophy really had no attributes. The eternity of the Greek God is that of empty, eternal being” (Pannenberg, What is Man? 75).
May 14, 2025
A valuable introduction to Pannenberg's thought. He clarifies some eccentric vocabulary that Pannenberg uses (for example, his use of eccentric and ecstatic in relation to humans). This gives you a head start on 'coming to terms' with Pannenberg.
The overview of Pannenberg's ideas helps set him in context and clarifies up front where the thought is going. It brings you into Pannenberg's hermeneutical circle, if you will. An idea that he describes in the last chapter. Of course, his chapter on hermeneutics is top-notch given his own background and previous writings.
Covers all of Pannenberg's major writings, not just his Systematic Theology. In Thiselton's own Systematic Theology (an introduction to), he describes Pannenberg's Systematic Theology as the best one we have available, so he is a fan of Pannenberg.
The overview of Pannenberg's ideas helps set him in context and clarifies up front where the thought is going. It brings you into Pannenberg's hermeneutical circle, if you will. An idea that he describes in the last chapter. Of course, his chapter on hermeneutics is top-notch given his own background and previous writings.
Covers all of Pannenberg's major writings, not just his Systematic Theology. In Thiselton's own Systematic Theology (an introduction to), he describes Pannenberg's Systematic Theology as the best one we have available, so he is a fan of Pannenberg.
July 4, 2025
Pannenberg has his issues, but his basic concern is for truth, and that charming quality will cover a multitude of offenses.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews