Christian Life, The

by Karl Barth

Karl Barth (1886-1968) was described by Pope Pius XII as the most important theologian since Thomas Aquinas, and his writings from the perspective of a renewed ‘theology of the Word of God’ continue to be a major influence among Christians, students of theology and preachers around the world today. His theology creatively re-works key Christian doctrines including the Trinity, Christology and salvation including therein, importantly, the doctrine of election. The product of the sustained work of more than three decades, his closely-reasoned fourteen volume magnum opus, The Church Dogmatics, represents the culmination of Barth’s own achievements and is regarded as perhaps one of the most significant theological works of all time. As part of the theological ethics integral to this dogmatic vision, The Christian Life offers a fascinating and provocative account of the Christian orientation toward ethical life from the perspective of divine reconciliation, setting forth a distinctive vision that sees prayer as the heart of a moral passion for the honour of God and the struggle for human righteousness. The work of one of the most influential Protestant theologians of the twentieth century, this Cornerstones edition includes a brand new introduction by Philip G. Ziegler, both examining and celebrating the message of one of Barth’s last and most suggestive writings.

448 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2017

About the author

Protestant theologian Karl Barth, a Swiss, advocated a return to the principles of the Reformation and the teachings of the Bible; his published works include Church Dogmatics from 1932.

Critics hold Karl Barth among the most important Christian thinkers of the 20th century; Pope Pius XII described him as the most important since Saint Thomas Aquinas. Beginning with his experience as a pastor, he rejected his typical predominant liberal, especially German training of 19th century.

Instead, he embarked on a new path, initially called dialectical, due to its stress on the paradoxical nature of divine truth—for instance, God is both grace and judgment), but more accurately called a of the Word. Critics referred to this father of new orthodoxy, a pejorative term that he emphatically rejected. His thought emphasized the sovereignty of God, particularly through his innovative doctrine of election. His enormously influenced throughout Europe and America.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful little book (60 pages). Originally published in 1930, based on two Bible studies which Barth did with university students. Based on Romans 12:1-2. Surprising. Provocative. (Note: The book I make reference to here is not the book pictured or described above. The copy of the book read does not have an ISBN.)