Theology of Karl Barth

By Hans Urs von Balthasar and Fr. Hans Urs Von Balthasar

Book Overview

Written in 1951 (with a second edition in 1961), this book takes its place within an impressive array of attempts to wrestle with Karl Barth's theology from a Catholic point of view. The book adopts the twofold strategy of presenting an exposition of "the whole of Barth's thought," while doing so for the purpose of a confessional dialogue among theologians. Not to be construed as an "Introduction to the Theology of Karl Barth, Balthasar's effort is to provide a Catholic response which, though not "official", nonetheless seeks to express a common direction and movement within Catholicism.

The Theology of Karl Barth shows how a rethinking of basic issues in fundamental theology--concerning the relation of nature and grace, philosophy and theology, the "analogy of being" and the "analogy of faith"--might lead to a rapprochement between the two great rivers of Christianity, without compromising the center of gravity of either. In the process the book makes a major contribution to renewed understanding of Christianity in a secularized modern world. Co-published with Communio Books.

"No one should think he can quickly dispose of questions posed here offhandedly. It was precisely because writers were in the habit during the time of the Reformation of theologizing with a hammer that the split in the Church became irreparable. And to work at overcoming this split means much effort. Only the patient need apply."
-- Hans Urs von Balthasar

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0898703980
• ISBN13: 9780898703986
• Release Date: November 1992
• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Length: 444 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Great book on Barth's theology from a Catholic perspective

This is a well written book which provides a succinct overview of Karl Barth's theology and development of thought over his career as a theologian. It will provide the reader with a road map for further studies into the vast work of this prolific thinker from another great theologian who is always respectful of Barth while careful to delineate the many similarities and contrasts within the light of Catholic theology. Balthasar does write in such a way that Barth can and does speak for himself and this alone makes this book worthwhile. This is a book that Protestants and Catholics alike can find rewarding.

Still Worth Reading

Though now superceded by Bruce McCormack's book on Barth (Karl Barth's Critically Realistic Dialectial Theology) Von Balthasar's book still contains a beautiful interpretation of Barth's theology. The book is very well written, understandable, and appreciative. For those looking for a good introduction into Barth's theology this is one book to have on the shelf.

A classic interpretive and ecumenical study

An excellent book! Not only is this a significant work by one of the past century's most important Roman Catholic theologians, but it has set a paradigm for Barth interpretation for 40 years since its publication - even among Protestant scholars. Balthasar's study focuses on the issue of nature and grace (naturally) and the promise of Christological ways of theologizing for ecumenical dialogue. Balthasar's reading of Barth's theological development has been challenged of late (Bruce McCormack), but his 'magisterial work' contains so much promise and insight that it is not likely to be outdated anytime soon. I definately recomend this book to anyone interested in Barth, Balthasar, or in Catholic-Protestant dialogue.