Karl Barth 2nd Edition - (Outstanding Christian Thinkers) by John Webster (Paperback)

About the Book

Karl Barth (18861968) has been called the most important Protestant theologian since Schleiermacher. A lifetime of work produced a huge and complex body of writings that emerged from both his theological teaching and from his engagement in church life. The publication of some of his work posthumously has invited fresh and attentive interpretations of his thought.

Book Synopsis

Karl Barth (1886-1968) has been called the most important Protestant theologian since Schleiermacher. A lifetime of work produced a huge and complex body of writings that emerged from both his theological teaching and from his engagement in church life. The publication of some of his work posthumously has invited fresh and attentive interpretations of his thought.

This book draws together these readings to provide a clear and authoritative introduction to the main themes in Barth's theology. In an accessible way, it shows the continuity and coherence of Barth's work and stresses the importance of his biblical and ethical writings alongside his systematic theology. The book focuses on Barth's response to modernity, postmodernity and the tasks of theology, presenting him as an outstanding resource for constructive theology in our age.

Review Quotes

'...the treatment is clear, and delivers the kind of introductory guide which the author promised...for those requiring some basic knowledge of this influential theologian, Webster's book offers a good starting point.'

"Among all the recent publications about Karl Barth, John Webster's discussion of this theological giant invites our attention as a highly authoritative guide. It offers a thoroughgoing summary of Barth's theological and ethical contributions, replete with analysis and engagement with his critics, all in a remarkably short span...This is a very fine textbook indeed. The summaries are masterful and the quotations judicious, inviting further reading of the primary sources, which is one of Webster's stated goals. There is also a useful summary of primary and secondary literature on Barth, with comments in preface about publications in the four years since the first edition of this book and about forthcoming texts. The book is so encyclopedic that it might be best used as a supplement to other introductions to Barth, but it is an excellent resource for anyone who wishes to engage with this outstanding Christian thinker." -Justyn Terry, Anglican Theological Review
Reformed Theological Journal

About the Author

John Webster is Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Aberdeen. His published work includes a number of books on the theology of Karl Barth, on the nature and interpretation of Scripture, and on Christian dogmatics, including Confessing God. He edited The Oxford Handbook to Systematic Theology, and is an editor of The International Journal of Systematic Theology. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.