The Neo-Orthodox Theology of W. W. Bryden (Princeton Theological Monograph)

Walter W. Bryden, a leading professor of church history and the history of philosophy of religion at Knox College extolled the virtues of the Westminster Confessions at a time when it was assumed that most Canadian Presbyterians considered the seventeenth-century statement of Reformed theology as having little more than historical significance. It is the objection of many Canadian church leaders to Bryden's support of Westminster Confession and what could possibly provoke such a strong reaction among church leaders that provides the key issue raised throughout this book. The main purpose of this book is to examine both dimensions of Bryden's theological contribution and their interdependence. On the one hand, Bryden marshaled the new Reformation theology of Barth and Brunner to launch a broadside against Canadian Protestantism in general and the church union movement in particular. At the same time, his increasing disillusionment with the idealism of modern Protestant theology and church life, especially as it was expressed in church union, had already prepared him to embrace wholeheartedly the witness of the neo-orthodox theologians.