Die Metaphysikkritik Gerhard Ebelings und ihre Vorgeschichte

The use of metaphysics in Christian theology was, for most of its history, as much taken for granted then as its rejection is today. In contrast to this, Gerhard Ebeling undertook a thorough examination of metaphysic's purpose and functions within theology. His works show how metaphysics was defined in the field and explain why it is to be rejected. The critique of metaphysics is furthermore usually attributed to Reformation theology. And although at first glance this also seems to be the case in Ebeling's work, Ruth Görnandt shows that by reconnecting his critique of metaphysics to its contemporary and historical background, it is revealed that it is not only rooted in a specific vein of German protestant theology - namely that of Albrecht Ritschl, Wilhelm Herrmann and Rudolf Bultmann - but rather is also a response to the questioning of theology's modern day validity. Both contexts are essential for the correct understanding of Ebeling's critique of metaphysics asserts the author.