Amazon reader review: This is the book that brought an end to 19th century liberal theology's attempt to produce a neat synthesis of Christianity and culture, a psychological Christianity or an anthropologized Christianity. The project was a failure, and Barth tells us why and what should replace it -- a religionless Christianity? Not really a Biblical commentary. If you're looking for an exposition of the text, this isn't what you want. It's more like a manifesto, using Paul's epistle to the Romans as a place to begin the attack on cultural, non-prophetic Christianity. Written in a dialectical, highly expressive style. If you like Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, this is your kind of theologizing -- with a hammer. It can be exhausting, and you will either love it or hate it. Barth later changed his style and tone, but not his message.

Amazon reader review: This is a short, readable introduction to the man who has influenced 20th century religious thought more than any other. The book is actually a collection of three separate essays. The first is a critical analysis of 19th century theology with its tendency to focus on human beings rather than on God. The second essay addresses the nature of God and God's relationship to humanity. The final essay addresses the issue of Christian freedom and Christian responsibility. The collection is theologically deep enough to entice academics, while readable enough to be approachable by any serious layperson.

 

 

Amazon reader review: This is yet another fascinating small book by Karl Barth on the nature of theology. In particular it will be of help to students that find themselves disillusioned with academic theology. For those that think theology is lifeless and stale, Barth is a breath of fresh air as he shows what it means to be a theologian in the service of the church. 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. Highly recommended.

 

Amazon reader review: 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. Barth's thoughts are profound and lucid. In particular, his theological treatment of time is good. He speaks of how, from a Christian perspective "the present" is the resurrection of Christ, "the past" is the times of sin before Christ and "the future" is Christ coming again. These and other profound thoughts make this book an excellent read and a good introduction to Barth's theology as a whole. Highly recommended.