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Church Dogmatics #4.1
Church Dogmatics 4.1 The Doctrine of Reconciliation
Described by Pope Pius XII as the most important theologian since Thomas Aquinas, the Swiss pastor and theologian, Karl Barth, continues to be a major influence on students, scholars and preachers today. Barth s theology found its expression mainly through his closely reasoned fourteen-part magnum opus, Die Kirchliche Dogmatik. Having taken over 30 years to write, the Church Dogmatics is regarded as one of the most important theological works of all time, and represents the pinnacle of Barth s achievement as a theologian. T&T Clark International is now proud to be publishing the only complete English translation of the Church Dogmatics in paperback.
816 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1953
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About the author
Karl Barth
460 books263 followersProtestant 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 2, 2012
This is the first volume in the series that I've rated less than a full five stars. This discrepancy deserves some explanation. My lower rating is more in comparison to the rest of the series than it is an assessment of the book in relation to the general field of theology. Like the other volumes in this series, volume 4.1 is an excellent work. However, in comparison to what Barth has accomplished in the other volumes, it is a step below.
My reasoning behind this is twofold. 1. This volume seems far more dated than the others. 2. Barth fails to follow some of his most important claims to their logical conclusion.
Starting with my first objection that the book feels dated. I wish Barth had lived and worked after the New Perspective on Paul reached its prominence. Much of what Barth says on topics of justification and individual salvation is good, but, in light of NPP, very incomplete. Although this isn't Barth's fault, he, of course, can't control when he lived, my studies of NPP writers have made any overemphasis on individual salvation quite untenable for me. I simply can't agree with the perspective, emphasis and order Barth uses in exploring salvation and reconciliation
As to my second objection, one of my favorite sections in the entire book was Barth's exploration of the divisions in the Church. He correctly identifies all schisms, whether between denominations, congregations, individuals or whole traditions, as scandalous. However, what he fails to do is take this extremely important point to its natural conclusion. The point Barth makes here ought to lead to a strong, unequivocal call to ecumenicalism. Unfortunately, Barth stops short of such a call. While the point he makes is still incredible and important, for someone like me who cares deeply about ecumenical dialogue and the unity of the entire Church, this omission was glaring and ultimately detracts from the book.
As I said, the book is still a masterful work in spite of these objections. Barth is at his best when he explores the ways God reaches down to humanity in his freedom and grace. This book contains plenty of that, especially in the beginning. Likewise, Barth's exploration of human sin and the Fall is most excellent.
Volume 4.1 is a bit of a step below the rest of the series, but in spite of its flaws it remains an excellent work of modern theology.
My reasoning behind this is twofold. 1. This volume seems far more dated than the others. 2. Barth fails to follow some of his most important claims to their logical conclusion.
Starting with my first objection that the book feels dated. I wish Barth had lived and worked after the New Perspective on Paul reached its prominence. Much of what Barth says on topics of justification and individual salvation is good, but, in light of NPP, very incomplete. Although this isn't Barth's fault, he, of course, can't control when he lived, my studies of NPP writers have made any overemphasis on individual salvation quite untenable for me. I simply can't agree with the perspective, emphasis and order Barth uses in exploring salvation and reconciliation
As to my second objection, one of my favorite sections in the entire book was Barth's exploration of the divisions in the Church. He correctly identifies all schisms, whether between denominations, congregations, individuals or whole traditions, as scandalous. However, what he fails to do is take this extremely important point to its natural conclusion. The point Barth makes here ought to lead to a strong, unequivocal call to ecumenicalism. Unfortunately, Barth stops short of such a call. While the point he makes is still incredible and important, for someone like me who cares deeply about ecumenical dialogue and the unity of the entire Church, this omission was glaring and ultimately detracts from the book.
As I said, the book is still a masterful work in spite of these objections. Barth is at his best when he explores the ways God reaches down to humanity in his freedom and grace. This book contains plenty of that, especially in the beginning. Likewise, Barth's exploration of human sin and the Fall is most excellent.
Volume 4.1 is a bit of a step below the rest of the series, but in spite of its flaws it remains an excellent work of modern theology.
May 15, 2009
I am not happy with everything that Barth asserts, but in reality one could say that about any theologian in the Christian tradition. Everyone has their points of genius and there shameful moments, Barth is no exception. CD IV.1's Christological focus is absolutely fantastic and inspiring. Barth successfully takes all the areas of reconciliation and uses Christ as the means to understanding them.
Warning: I would not recommend starting the Dogmatics with IV.1. There are many sections that Barth refers to things he has already said in previous volumes that are helpful in what he is communicating here.
This is certainly a tough read, but well worth the struggle. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Church Dogmatics.
Warning: I would not recommend starting the Dogmatics with IV.1. There are many sections that Barth refers to things he has already said in previous volumes that are helpful in what he is communicating here.
This is certainly a tough read, but well worth the struggle. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Church Dogmatics.
July 19, 2011
This book is extemely hard to read but worth every mind-stretching session. I only read one page at a sitting because of the complexity of the content. Lots of reflective time with this. It took me quite a long time to finish it and I anticipate I will read it again at least once. Karl Barth is my favorite theologian.
August 23, 2014
The greatest theology I've ever read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews