Karl Barth: A Life in Conflict

Karl Barth (1886-1968) was a Swiss theologian who is considered one of the most important theologians of the 20th century. He is best known for his doctrine of the Word of God, which emphasizes the absolute sovereignty of God and the complete dependence of humanity on God's grace. Barth's theology was profoundly influenced by his experiences during the First World War, which led him to reject the liberal Protestantism of his day and to embrace a more radical view of Christianity.

Barth's Early Life and Education

Karl Barth was born in Basel, Switzerland, on May 10, 1886. His father was a pastor in the Swiss Reformed Church, and his mother was a devout Christian. Barth grew up in a religious household, and he was exposed to the Bible and Christian theology from an early age. He attended the University of Bern, where he studied theology and philosophy. After graduating from Bern, Barth went to the University of Marburg, where he studied under Wilhelm Herrmann, one of the leading proponents of liberal Protestantism.

Karl Barth: A Life in Conflict

by Geoffrey Roberts

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Barth's Early Theological Career

After completing his studies at Marburg, Barth returned to Switzerland and served as a pastor in the Swiss Reformed Church. He quickly gained a reputation as a gifted preacher and theologian. In 1911, he was appointed to a teaching position at the University of Bern. During this time, Barth began to develop his own distinctive theological approach. He was influenced by the work of Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Martin Heidegger. He also began to read the Bible more closely, and he came to believe that the Bible was not simply a collection of human ideas but the Word of God. In 1919, Barth published his commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, which is considered a landmark work in Christian theology.

Barth's Involvement in the First World War

The First World War had a profound impact on Barth. He was deeply disturbed by the violence and suffering of the war. He also came to believe that the liberal Protestantism of his day was bankrupt. He argued that liberal Protestantism had accommodated itself too much to the modern world, and that it had lost its prophetic voice. Barth called for a more radical form of Christianity that was based on the absolute sovereignty of God and the complete dependence of humanity on God's grace.

Barth's Later Theological Career

After the First World War, Barth continued to develop his theology. He was appointed to a teaching position at the University of Göttingen in 1921. He later served as a professor at the University of Münster and the University of Bonn. Barth's theology was highly controversial, and he was often accused of being a heretic. However, he remained convinced that his theology was faithful to the Bible and to the Christian tradition. In 1934, Barth was dismissed from his teaching position at the University of Bonn by the Nazi regime. He returned to Switzerland, where he continued to write and teach until his death in 1968.

Barth's Legacy

Karl Barth is considered one of the most important theologians of the 20th century. His theology has had a profound impact on Christian thought and practice. Barth's emphasis on the absolute sovereignty of God and the complete dependence of humanity on God's grace has led to a renewal of interest in classical Christian theology. Barth's work has also been influential in the development of liberation theology, feminist theology, and other liberation movements. Barth is a complex and challenging theologian, but he is also a deeply passionate and committed Christian. His work is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the history of Christian theology and the challenges facing the church in the 21st century.

Further Reading

• Karl Barth on Encyclopedia Britannica
• The Karl Barth Center
• Karl Barth: A Life in Conflict by Eberhard Busch

Karl Barth: A Life in Conflict

by Geoffrey Roberts

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5862 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	468 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE