How Did the Biblical Theology Movement of 1945–1960 Change Scholarship?
The biblical theology movement of 1945–1960 was a period of renewed scholarly and theological engagement with the Bible as a unified and theologically rich witness. Emerging in the aftermath of World War II, it reflected a desire to reclaim the theological depth of Scripture without abandoning the historical-critical tools that had dominated much of the preceding century. While short-lived, the movement left a lasting impact on biblical scholarship and influenced how the church approached the unity of Scripture, the role of history, and the relationship between Old and New Testaments.
This period also offers lessons for today’s church, showing the importance of holding together rigorous study of the biblical text with a confessional commitment to the Gospel—a Gospel that is not only about personal salvation but about the reign of God over His people and creation.
1. Historical Context of the Movement
The biblical theology movement arose in a world still reeling from the devastation of global war. Many scholars and church leaders saw the need for a theological renewal that could speak with moral and spiritual authority. The prevailing liberal Protestant confidence in human progress had been shaken, and there was a turn toward the God who acts decisively in history.
This turn was influenced by earlier theological shifts—especially Karl Barth’s emphasis on divine revelation—and by a growing dissatisfaction with purely academic treatments of the Bible that ignored its theological claims. Scholars began to emphasize that the Bible’s primary subject is God’s redemptive work in history, a message relevant for the life and mission of the church.
2. Defining Features of the Biblical Theology Movement
Although “movement” may overstate the level of organization, this period was marked by several shared emphases among scholars.
Theology Without Abandoning Historical Study – Retaining the historical-critical method while re-centering theological reflection.
The God Who Acts – Viewing biblical history as a record of God’s mighty acts in creation, covenant, redemption, and judgment.
Unity of the Bible – Treating the Old and New Testaments as one continuous witness to God’s plan.
Uniqueness of Biblical Faith – Affirming that biblical religion is distinct from other ancient religions, even while recognizing cultural context.
Word Study Approach – Producing theological dictionaries and lexicons that explored the depth of biblical terminology.
3. Key Figures and Influential Works
Several scholars became central voices in the biblical theology movement, shaping both academic study and church teaching.
Oscar Cullmann – Known for his work on salvation history (Heilsgeschichte) and the centrality of Christ’s work within time.
G. Ernest Wright – Emphasized the Bible as a witness to God’s historical acts, especially in Israel’s history.
George Ladd – Though slightly later, built on similar emphases, integrating historical-critical work with evangelical theology.
Theological Wordbooks – Projects such as Theological Dictionary of the New Testament deepened understanding of biblical language.
These voices sought to recover a reading of Scripture that was both historically informed and theologically robust.
4. Positive Contributions to Biblical Scholarship
The biblical theology movement made several lasting contributions to the study and use of the Bible.
Renewed Emphasis on the Unity of Scripture – Encouraged scholars to interpret the Bible as one overarching narrative, paving the way for modern redemptive-historical preaching.
Integration of Theology and History – Helped bridge the gap between the historical-critical approach and theological application.
Focus on Salvation History – Highlighted the unfolding nature of God’s plan from creation through the new creation.
Relevance for the Church – Reconnected academic biblical studies with the needs of congregations, influencing preaching and teaching.
For the “bigger Gospel” perspective, this meant situating the good news within God’s full redemptive plan—moving from Adam to Abraham, from Israel to Christ, and from the church’s mission to the consummation of all things.
5. Limitations and Criticisms of the Movement
Despite its strengths, the biblical theology movement faced significant critiques that eventually contributed to its decline.
Methodological Weaknesses – Some scholars argued the movement lacked a clear definition of “biblical theology.”
Neglect of Diversity – The strong emphasis on unity sometimes overlooked the distinct voices and contexts within Scripture.
Overreliance on the Word Study Method – While useful, it could lead to theological conclusions that ignored broader literary and historical contexts.
Insufficient Canonical Focus – The movement often treated history as the primary unifying factor without fully engaging the theological significance of the canon’s final form.
6. Legacy and Continuing Influence
Although the biblical theology movement faded by the early 1960s, many of its emphases have endured. The focus on salvation history influenced later evangelical and Reformed scholarship, including the development of biblical-theological preaching. The insistence on the unity of the Testaments paved the way for thematic studies that trace covenant, kingdom, and mission through the whole Bible.
Its weaknesses also led to important refinements. The canonical approach emerged partly in response to the movement’s shortcomings, giving more attention to the Bible as the church’s received Scripture. Today’s best biblical theology integrates the movement’s passion for God’s acts in history with a deeper appreciation for the literary, canonical, and eschatological dimensions of the text.
Conclusion
The biblical theology movement of 1945–1960 changed scholarship by re-centering the Bible as a theological document that speaks to God’s ongoing work in history. It bridged academic study and church life, emphasized the unity of Scripture, and pointed toward a Christ-centered reading that still influences preaching and teaching today.
While it had its limitations, the movement’s call to take the Bible’s theological claims seriously remains relevant. In light of the “bigger Gospel,” its legacy challenges the church to proclaim not just isolated truths but the whole story of God’s Kingdom—from creation’s beginning to the renewal of all things under Christ’s reign.
