Theology and Non-Theology: The Authenticity of the Theological Vocation in Karl Barth's Concept

Abstract

For an effective development of modern theology, it is important to find and understand the boundaries of the authenticity of the theological interpretation of the world, the parameters that become key to the correct disclosure of the theological vocation. The problem of the presence of theology in the modern epistemological context includes the definition of what theology is as a special way of knowing, and what theology is not, what it cannot be in its essence.  Despite the obvious importance of such presentation of the problem, systematic research in this direction is still insufficient to identify the entire problematic horizon associated with the vision of the field of theology authenticity. The purpose of this study is to identify the contours of a genuine and inauthentic understanding of the theological vocation, and to comprehend the epistemological task of theology on the example of K. Barth's theological system. The methods of comparison, analysis, deduction, induction, and the axiomatic method are used as methodological tools in the article. As a result of the research, such parameters of the authenticity of the theological vocation were revealed as epistemological humility, acceptance of the experience of non-obviousness, which forms the cognitive mobility of theology between understanding and mystery; a sacred attitude to verbal cognition based on theological dialogicality, and the skill of theological listening to the transcendental overtones of Revelation. The results obtained contribute to the development of a conceptual understanding of theological research authenticity based on the principles of acceptance of grace.