The Essential Karl Barth: A Reader and Commentary - Paperback

by Keith L. Johnson (Author)

Karl Barth is one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century. His work is considered essential reading for nearly every student of theology. Reading Barth's theology poses a challenge, however, because of the sheer size of his corpus, the complexity of his claims, and the distance between his context and the context of his readers. In this accessible introduction, a respected scholar in Barthian studies offers a one-stop resource on Barth's thought, providing a selection of his most important writings, critical commentary, and detailed introductory and concluding chapters.

Front Jacket

Karl Barth is one of the most influential theologians of the twentieth century. He set the agenda for much of modern theology, and his work is considered essential reading for nearly every theological student.

Reading Barth's theology poses a challenge, however, because of the sheer size of his corpus. Barth wrote millions of words in dozens of books, essays, sermons, and letters over many decades. Where should a reader begin in order to understand his thought? His work can also be difficult to read because of the complexity of his claims and the distance between his context and the context of his readers. How can new readers of Barth's work make sure they are understanding it correctly?

In this accessible introduction, a respected scholar in Barthian studies offers a one-stop resource on Barth's thought. The Essential Karl Barth contains the most important texts written by Barth over the course of his career, including significant passages from his monumental Church Dogmatics. Keith Johnson begins with an introductory chapter that describes the importance of Barth's life and work. He introduces each one of Barth's primary texts, providing context and summarizing its argument. Johnson also supplements Barth's text with critical commentary designed to help readers grasp Barth's claims. The book concludes with a chapter examining Barth's theological legacy and the prospects of a Barthian theology.

The Essential Karl Barth will help readers learn how to read Barth, giving them a sense of Barth's theological development, the key claims of his theology, his engagement with political matters, and his significance for contemporary theology.

Back Jacket

This is the best one-volume anthology of Barth's theology available in English. Barth's writings are thoughtfully selected to cover his early development, his mature theology, and his political development. Keith Johnson's critical commentary is superb. This book will be of great service not only in the classroom but also in the pastor's study and in the hands of any interested reader. It deserves a wide readership wherever there is interest in Karl Barth.
--George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary

"This volume offers a delightful and illuminating approach to the theology of Karl Barth, one of the most significant theologians in the Protestant tradition. Johnson serves as a well-equipped and sure-footed guide as he draws the reader gently into key excerpts from Barth's rather daunting and multifaceted corpus of work. Johnson is judicious in his selection of texts, insightful in his introductions, annotations, and explanations, and considered in his rendering of the life and legacy of Barth. The result is a highly impressive achievement, offering an accessible yet informative pathway into the writings of this visionary theologian."
--Paul T. Nimmo, King's College, University of Aberdeen

"It's a challenge to figure out which texts can best introduce the curious to the complex music of Karl Barth's theology. In The Essential Karl Barth, Keith Johnson has curated and introduced a rich assortment of Barth's writings spanning his career, and Johnson's wise and learned commentary keeps ever in view the contexts in which Barth did his work. An invaluable resource for exploring Barth's theology and his world."
--Angela Dienhart Hancock, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

"This is an astonishingly helpful book. Johnson's introductions are clear, elegant, and effortlessly learned, and his selection of texts gives readers not only an overview but an actual feel for Barth's thought. The fact that he does all of this in a single volume is a marvel. For anyone who wants to get a grip on the theology of Karl Barth, this is the book to read!"
--Kevin W. Hector, University of Chicago Divinity School

"Johnson has provided a wonderful collection of texts judiciously selected from the voluminous corpus of Barth's works. Each reading is accompanied by excellent introductions and commentary. This volume will no doubt introduce many students to Karl Barth, and it is a marvelous resource for all who would seek to learn more about one of the most important theologians of the twentieth century."
--Kimlyn J. Bender, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University

Author Biography

Keith L. Johnson (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of theology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He is the author or coeditor of several books, including Theology as Discipleship and Bonhoeffer, Christ and Culture.