ABSTRACT

To offer an analysis and critique of so complex and difficult a text as The Eclipse of Biblical Narrative requires not only the technical skills of careful reading but also perceptive extrapolation in dealing with what is, at times, impenetrably turgid prose. Moreover, given the sweep of authors and topics which Eclipse discusses and the complexity of its argument, judicious choices must be made as to what can and cannot be dealt with. To accomplish the former task, I have devoted the initial parts of this essay to an analysis of the contents of Eclipse, basing my extrapolations on a winnowing of other writings by Frei for passages which seem to illuminate the meaning and purpose of Eclipse. The second task is carried out in accord with my own area of expertise, philosophical theology, by furthering Frei's treatment of Kant and Hegel so as to aid the argument he wishes to make. The entr'acte is an aside concerning how Frei's work has been of help to some Catholic theologians, and I shall conclude with a short epilogue.