Product Description

This volume provides a much-needed English translation of the sixth edition of what is considered the fundamental text for fully understanding Barthianism. Barth--who remains a powerful influence on European and American theology--argues that the modern Christian preacher and theologian face the same basic problems that confronted Paul. Assessing the whole Protestant argument in relation to modern attitudes and problems, he focuses on topics such as Biblical exegesis; the interrelationship between theology, the Church, and religious experience; the relevance of the truth of the Bible to culture; and what preachers should preach.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #87597 in Books
• Published on: 1968-12-31
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 576 pages

About the Author
Karl Barth (1886-1968) was an influential Swiss Reformed Christian theologian. He was also a pastor and one of the leading thinkers in the neo-orthodox movement.

Customer Reviews

An exhausting read

The way to tackle this book is first not to expect an easy read in the way of a 'companion read to Paul's Epistle to the Romans'. This is stuff for theologians. I have to admit that it was way above me. All I could rescue from its doomed oblivion were some quotations here and there. I think the first and second above reviewers give a good account of it: this is a break-up with liberal evangelicalism; it's no "make-you-feel-good" religion. I suppose it meant a lot by the time it was published; today we might take it for granted.

He points out, as Luther did, the "kernel" of the whole Epistle: "For there is no distinction: for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God" (3:23)

On sin: "Precisely when we recognize that we are sinners do we perceive that we are brothers."

Works vs Faith: "So long as we are swayed by any other motive except faith, we do not stand before God."

The book that started the modern evangelical movement?
That's how Barth's Epistle to the Romans has been described.

Denominationalism was a hallmark of mid-20th century theology ... high on morality, fuzzy on the Way.

I tried this book after seeing it referred to in other texts where it was described as initiating a fundamental shift from moral sermonizing to Biblical based teachings.

The first chapter of Barth's Epistle to the Romans will reveal the `back to basics' rationale for Church. Barth simply dissects Romans. Rome was a desperate church that Paul kept alive, under extreme persecution through `back to basics' teaching. Barth takes modern readers back to the fundamentals that Paul uses to strengthen the Romans.

Barth's Romans revisit was apparently highly controversial when written. Barth's strong commentary of Paul's letter jumps from the pages. Barth's interpretations leave little wiggle room to debate anything but the straight up interpretation of Paul's letter.

Musings on Karl Barth
Barth gives an intense view of Paul's Epistles to the Romans. Some background is needed to read and understand such as reading the Epistles and comparing your own thoughts on it. It is well written, and a good basis for reading further.