"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

__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_.

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.

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.

This accessible introduction to Karl Barth's thought offers a selection of key writings, critical commentary, and detailed introductory and concluding chapters.

__Contents__ 1. Introduction: The Life of Karl Barth  
__Part 1: Barth's Theological Development__ 2. _The Epistle to the Romans_  
3. The Word of God as the Task of Theology  
4. An Answer to Professor Adolf von Harnack  
5. The Resurrection of the Dead  
6. The Göttingen Dogmatics  
7. The Holy Spirit and the Christian Life  
8. Preface to _Church Dogmatics_ I/1  
9. Farewell  
10. The Humanity of God  
__Part 2: Barth's _Church Dogmatics_  
11. The Task of Dogmatics  
12. The Word of God  
13. Revelation and Faith  
14. The Doctrine of the Trinity  
15. The Missions of the Son and the Spirit  
16. The Knowledge of God  
17. The Reality of God  
18. The Doctrine of Election  
19. The Election of Jesus Christ  
20. God's Decision for the World  
21. Covenant and Creation  
22. The Covenant Partner of God  
23. God and Nothingness  
24. God with Us  
25. The Obedience of the Son of God  
26. The Exaltation of the Son of Man  
27. The Glory of the Mediator  
28. The Scope of Salvation  
29. Christian Community  
__Part 3: Barth's Political Engagement__ 30. A Brief Reminiscence of the 1920s  
31. Sermon on Romans 15:5-13  
32. The Barmen Theological Declaration  
33. The Role of Christians in Wartime: A Letter to American Christians  
34. The Community of Christians and the Community of Citizens  
Conclusion: The Tradition of Karl Barth  
Index

An accessible introduction to Karl Barth's theology, featuring key writings, critical commentary, and comprehensive chapters. Ideal for theology students and scholars.

\["For theology students seeking accessible insights", "Breaks down Barth's challenging ideas for easy understanding", "You will grasp key theological concepts with confidence"\]

This book simplifies Karl Barth's complex theology for students.

Johnson, Keith L.

Cover

Half Title Page

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Preface

1. Introduction

Part 1: Barth's Theological Development

2. The Epistle to the Romans

3. "The Word of God as the Task of Theology"

4. An Answer to Professor Adolf von Harnack

5. The Resurrection of the Dead

6. The Göttingen Dogmatics

7. "The Holy Spirit and the Christian Life"

8. Preface to Church Dogmatics I/1

9. Farewell

10. "The Humanity of God"

Part 2: Barth's Church Dogmatics

11. The Task of Dogmatics

12. The Word of God

13. Revelation and Faith

14. The Doctrine of the Trinity

15. The Missions of the Son and the Spirit

16. The Knowledge of God

17. The Reality of God

18. The Doctrine of Election

19. The Election of Jesus Christ

20. God's Decision for the World

21. Covenant and Creation

22. The Covenant Partner of God

23. God and Nothingness

24. God with Us

25. The Obedience of the Son of God

26. The Exaltation of the Son of Man

27. The Glory of the Mediator

28. The Scope of Salvation

29. Christian Community

Part 3: Barth's Political Engagement

30. A Brief Reminiscence of the 1920s

31. Sermon on Romans 15:5–13

32. The Barmen Theological Declaration

33. The Role of Christians in Wartime

34. "The Community of Christians and the Community of Citizens"

Conclusion

Credits

Index

Back Cover

This accessible introduction to Karl Barth's theology features key writings, critical commentary, and comprehensive chapters, ideal for theology students and scholars.

\["For theology students needing accessible resources", "Simplifies complex ideas from Karl Barth's vast work", "You will grasp Barth's theology with ease and clarity"\]

The Essential Karl Barth is your gateway to understanding one of the 20th century's greatest theologians.

A Reader and Commentary

The Essential Karl Barth

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