Which proponent is best associated with Neo-Orthodoxy?

The best association with Neo-Orthodoxy is Karl Barth. Barth's theological work marked a significant movement away from liberal theology, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the centrality of Scripture. He argued that the primary revelation of God comes through Jesus Christ and that human understanding of God must be rooted in this divine revelation. Barth's focus on the transcendence of God and the necessity of divine grace aligns closely with the core tenets of Neo-Orthodoxy, which seeks to reconcile traditional doctrinal beliefs with modern existentialism and the challenges presented by contemporary culture. His influential writings, such as "Church Dogmatics," have firmly established him as a key figure in this movement, fundamentally shaping its direction and theology.

The other figures mentioned, while influential in their own rights, represent different theological perspectives. Friedrich Schleiermacher, for instance, is often associated with liberal theology rather than Neo-Orthodoxy. Emil Brunner shares some common ground with Barth but is not as emblematic of the movement itself. Soren Kierkegaard, while a significant philosophical figure, is often seen as a precursor to existentialism rather than a direct proponent of Neo-Orthodoxy.