Reviews (7)

The book that started the modern evangelical movement?
That's how Barth's Epistle to the Romans has been described.
The equivalent of a theological enema
Barth's dialectical theology, a radical approach to the separation of God and man, is uncomfortable and disconcerting... and absolutely needed.The 'theology of crisis' that comes forward in Epistle to the Romans should be mandatory reading for any graduate student of theology.

Musings on Karl Barth
Barth gives an intense view of Paul's Epistles to the Romans. Some background is needed to read and understand such as reading the Epistles and comparing your own thoughts on it. It is well written, and a good basis for reading further. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    3. Bible.    4. Christianity - General    5. Commentaries    6. Leadership    7. N.T    8. N.T.    9. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    10. Romans    11. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    12. Religion & Theology | History of Christianity    13. Religion / Leadership   

Reviews (3)

Karl Barth
This is a book which I did not have in my library.It emphasizes his interpretation and outlook as a theologian.
Really better on the Eighteenth Century
The first Complete English Edition had almost 400 pages for Part 1 - Background, before the few hundred pages of History which cover the century mentioned in the title, including chapters on Schleiermacher, Baur, Feuerbach, and Strauss.Most of the chapters have a heavy philosophical theme, but lines of verse liven up Barth's analysis of Lessing's play, "Nathan the Wise," the poems of Herder, and much of what Barth has to say about Novalis, who proclaimed, "The secret path leads inwards.Eternity with its worlds, the past and the future, is within us, or nowhere."Most pages in this book which have footnotes start with a footnote number 1, and anyone flipping through pages might well forget where "Frag., 593" can be found.An earlier review of this book has incorrect citations on David Friedrich Strauss.Albert Schweitzer wrote about Strauss in his THE QUEST FOR THE HISTORICAL JESUS, a book which covered a topic on which Struass wrote three books with varying points of view and for different audiences.The biography called D. FR. STRAUSS AND THE THEOLOGY OF HIS TIME was by Hausrath, who called him "essentially a pathological figure." Well informed about some things I know
As philosophy has developed into a field in which a prime consideration is whether it is possible to catch someone in the act of thinking, theology is expected to be something a bit different. In Chapter 23, on Richard Rothe, Karl Barth wrote: "His biographer Hausrath reports in amazement that one never seemed to meet him when he was not in secret conversation with an invisible power and reality; on one bright day during his lifetime he is said to have appeared to one of his pupils `in a transfigured form'." For those who lack such attributes, as in the case of the most typical, Barth observed, "We may reflect upon the great practical problem he raised, which caused him to be so violently rejected, and think how he was in fact unable to find an effective counter to this rejection; we may observe him in the grief and loneliness which was brought upon him on the one hand by the truth he unwillingly represented, and on the other by the insufficiency and lack of fertility of his zeal for truth. Observing these things we involuntarily see not only him, bit in a certain aspect the typical theologian of the century, so that we are not then content, like Hausrath, to establish that Strauss was `essentially a pathological figure.' " I'm not giving a page number for anything in this review, knowing that a 1959 translation of eleven chapters of this book was published with the title FROM ROUSSEAU TO RITSCHL, the complete book was prepared from lectures "which Hitler prevented him from finishing" according to the Preface to the First Complete English Edition in the Judson Press edition, 1973, and I have not had an opportunity to compare either with whatever might be currently available.Read more

Subjects:  1. 18th century    2. 19th century    3. Christianity - History - Protestant    4. Christianity - Protestanism    5. Christianity - Theology - General    6. Christianity - Theology - History    7. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    8. Germany    9. History    10. Religion    11. Religion - Theology    12. Theology, Doctrinal   

Reviews (5)

Doing Theology Barth's Way
In this series of lectures, Barth outlines what it means to do theology.He begins by outlining four components of the context of theology.He then treats four characteristics of a theologian.After that, four threats to theology are listed.Finally, four essential components of theological work are listed.Central to the work are Spirit, faith, hope, and love, the final components of each section.
Being an Evangelical Theologian
This is yet another fascinating small book by Karl Barth on the nature of theology.This book touches on numerous issues related to what theology is and what it means to be a theologian.Worship, community, preaching and witness are among the many issues that Barth explores in his examination of what it means to be an evangelical theologian.
A Matchless Introduction to a Matchless Theologian
Among 20th century theologians, Barth is arguably without peer.Here we have a beautiful introduction written in his later years to Barth's entire theological output.If one were serious about beginning to read Barth, there is no better book through which one could enter into his thought.A very helpful book for those interested in what Barth has to say about the nature and purpose of theology.A treasure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Evangelism    2. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    3. Christianity - Theology - Systematic    4. Religion    5. Religion - Theology    6. Theology, Doctrinal    7. Christianity   

Reviews (3)

God is with us...
Karl Barth insists on an infinite qualitative difference between God and humanity. God is `wholly other', and there is nothing that humankind can do to bridge the gulf; however, God can reach `down' to humanity, and bridge the gulf. This is not something that happens by merit or effort on the part of individuals, but is entirely the grace and gift of God. This is important to understand as part of Barth's `Humanity of God' - God being wholly other is nonetheless wholly other with us. The primary expression of this being with us is through Jesus Christ; however, Barth stops short of saying that this is the only expression. � Three Easy in One Book
Karl Barth is arguably one of the greatest Protestant theologians of the last 200 years.This book is one of his most easier to understandmaterial.Here he writes for the average Christian and not the academic scholar. The Church Father of the 20th Century!
This is a short, readable introduction to the man who has influenced 20th century religiosu thought more than any other.The book is actually a collection of three separate essays.The first is a critical analysis of19th century theology with its tendency to focus on human beings ratherthan on God.The second essay addresses the nature of God and God'srelationship to humanity.The final essay addresses the issue of Christianfreedom and Christian responsibility.The collection is theologically deepenough to entice academics, while readable enough to be approachable by anyserious layperson. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - General    2. Religion - Theology    3. Theology    4. Christian theology   

Reviews (1)

If more Christians were like Barth, I might still be one.
Karl Barth, The Word of God and the Word of Man (Peter Smith, 1928)Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - General    2. Religion - Theology   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    2. Christianity - Theology - Systematic    3. Theology - Academic    4. Christian theology   

Reviews (3)

So you want to do a better job of praying?
I found Prayer by Karl Barth in the suggested readings of Eugene Peterson in Christ Plays in 10,000 places. I think I'm probably not alone in thinking that my praying could be improved. My conversations with God, well ... they often seem corney for my part. They don't meet my personal standards for a quality discussion with my God. Barth is in the 'super stars of theology hall of fame'. I was hoping he might provide a few pointers.
A Window into Communion with God
We know Barth for his massive Church Dogmatics; deep, penetrating, difficult, beautiful, massive, circular in argument, and life-changing.Here we see the spiritual side of Barth; a side not often observed beyond the usual personnas.We are familiar with Barth the theological warrior, writer, dogmatic theologian, family man, university professor, but this book gives the reader a picture of the man who had a deeply felt love for the God known in Jesus Christ by the power of the Spirit that Barth never tired of talking about, preaching about, or writing about.Much writing about "spirituality" is not worth the time or the effort of reading-- this book is!

Prayer is not just another word
I have just begun to read the books of Karl Barth and I am enjoying them immensely.They are deep in thought but easy to read especially for the layman.Reading the books of Barth has given me a better understanding Christian religion and also our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.This book is highly recommended as are other books by Barth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Lord's prayer    3. Prayer    4. Religion    5. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    6. Christian worship   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    2. Christianity - Theology - Systematic    3. Theology - Academic    4. Church of England    5. Philosophy of religion   

Reviews (3)

Reflecting on the meaning of following Christ
Are you considering becoming or trying to become one of those who accompanies Jesus "wholeheartedly and constantly, sharing his life and destiny at the expense of all other engagements and commitments" (5)?This book will help you reflect upon the freedomgiven and obedience required.Recommended for devotional reading.

The Call to Discipleship
Karl Barth's thoughtful paper provides a meaningful view of discipleship.Recommend for those who prefer to "go deeper" into scripture and the Christain life.

EXCELLENT!
A few months ago someone recommended I begin reading the writings of Karl Barth.I started with this book because it was the first one I could find in a bookstore.I'm glad it was!
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Discipleship    3. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    4. Religion    5. Religion - Theology    6. Spirituality - General    7. Christian life & practice   

Reviews (6)

Phenomenal Introduction
I read this on a whim because I am surrounded by Barthians and it often hard to understand what they are talking about.This is an easy read, if in translation, and a perfect introduction to what Barth thought, how Christology is central, and what dogmatics are.
Introducing Karl Barth
For those that want to begin to tackle Karl Barth, but don't know where to begin, this book is a good place to start.It is really Barth's commentary on the Apostles Creed, but it does indeed serve as the outline of a dogmatic theology.
A faithful framework...
One of the remarkable things about this text is that it is derived from lectures Barth delivered without notes.Reading the text shows the remarkable clarity and insight of a man who had spent a lifetime developing a massive theological system (although Barth himself would hesitate to call his work systematic theology, constrasting his work with Tillich, who explicitly claimed the description for his work).Barth's 'Church Dogmatics' represents a major achievement in the history of theology, twentieth century or otherwise; this text, 'Dogmatics in Outline', can serve as a good introduction, a brief overview, or a quick reminder of the greater work in 'Church Dogmatics'.Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Religion - Theology    3. Theology    4. Philosophy / General   

Subjects:  1. Protestantism    2. Religion - Theology    3. Religious    4. Religion    5. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    6. Christian spiritual & Church leaders    7. Barth, Karl,    8. 1886-1968    9. Barth, Karl   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - General    2. Christianity - Theology - Systematic    3. Philosophy    4. Theology - Academic   

Reviews (1)

Fans and non-fans alike, this one's for you.
Karl Barth, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Eerdmans, 1956)Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - History    2. Religion - Theology   

Subjects:  1. Christian ethics    2. Christianity    3. Individual Theologians And Their Works (General)    4. Reconciliation    5. Reformed authors    6. Religious aspects   

Reviews (4)

Great Introductory Selection of Barth's Theology
"Church Dogmatics: A Selection" is an excellent introduction to the theology of Karl Barth.Anyone even remotely acquainted with Christian theology cannot dispute the fact that Karl Barth is one of the most relevant and scholarly theological minds of our time.He articulated some of the most basic, yet profound truths of the Bible at a time when mainstream Christian theology had begun to place less and less emphasis on the Bible as God's inspired Word.He dialogues with the great theologians and philosophers from Luther to Calvin, to the scholastics, to his contemporaries.The unifying thread through his writing is the person of Jesus Christ, as witnessed in scripture.Barth, in his Church Dogmatics, did what no other modern theologian has been able to do with such clarity- he synthesized a millenium of Christian thought and focused it through the lens of what scripture says about Christ.His Doctrine of the Word of God is an amazing and thorough exposition of the topic- to get the full thrust of what Barth was saying, though, I would recommend working through the multi-volume set of his Church Dogmatics.For introductory or casual reading (if such a thing is possible), I would highly recommend starting with this concise volume.Best wishes on your theological quest!

For anyone who *enjoys* eating unheated oatmeal!
Okay, this is probably high heresy, but Barth is *the* most over-rated theologian of the last century and *one* of the most over-rated intellects overall. His early stuff serves as a prelude for that monstrosity produced by Bultmann and his later stuff (post controversy with Brunner) is just bizarre. The product of a Germanic mind in love with his own ratiocination and *sitzfliesch.* Excellent Introduction to Barth
Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics is one of the most important theological treatises of all-time, which set the agenda for religious thinking in the first half of the 20th Century.However, its sheer size and depth(reminiscent of Aquinas' Summa Theologiae) frequently discourage averagereaders from delving into its treasury of insights. Professor Gollwitzer'sshort selection of the Dogmatics provides a useful introduction to Barth'smost important themes, especially his understanding of revelation,Christology, and salvation.Great reading for any serious college orseminary student who wants to wrestle with the mind of this great Christianthinker! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Barth, Karl    2. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    3. Christianity - Theology - Systematic    4. Religion    5. Theology - Academic    6. Theology, Doctrinal   

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    3. Bible.    4. Commentaries    5. N.T    6. N.T.    7. Philippians    8. Religion    9. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    10. Religion / Bible / Commentaries / New Testament   

Subjects:  1. Barth, Karl    2. Christianity - Theology - General    3. Doctrinal Theology    4. Education / Teaching    5. General    6. Religion    7. Theology, Doctrinal    8. Christian theology   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    2. Religion    3. Religion - Theology    4. Theology    5. Theology, Doctrinal    6. Christian theology    7. Philosophy of religion    8. Religion / Theology   

Reviews (1)

1930's translation is hard going
Barth is a joy when well translated (e.g. Prayer). This is no joy.
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Subjects:  1. Barth, Karl    2. Christian ethics    3. Christian life    4. Christianity - Theology - Pneumatology    5. Holy Spirit    6. Reformed authors    7. Religion    8. Religion - Theology    9. Theology    10. Christian theology   

Reviews (1)

Barth's Dynamic Trinitarianism
This book is fascinating, both as a piece of Barth scholarship and contructive Trinitarian theology in its own right.Jungel is clearly one of the foremost of Barth's conteniental interpreters.What Jungel does in this volume, is frame frame Barth's understanding of the being of God in the context of his Trinitarian theology.For Barth, according to Jungel, God's being is ultimately a dynamic, active, relational reality that is expressed through the intimate perichoresis of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.Thus, God's being is not a static, imomobile or impassible substance (as Greek philosophy and classical theism have concieved it), but rather a dynamic relational communion of becoming.
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Subjects:  1. Barth, Karl    2. Christianity - Theology - General    3. God (Theology)    4. Religion    5. Religion - Theology    6. Theology