Reading Karl Barth : New Directions for North American Theology

by Richardson, Kurt Anders

• ISBN13: 9780801027291
• ISBN10: 0801027292
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-09-01
• Publisher: Baker Academic

Summary

The work of Karl Barth is central to modern Western theology, both historical and constructive. Over the past twenty years interest in this work has grown significantly, and Barth is once again a major voice in systematic theology circles. In Reading Karl Barth, Kurt Anders Richardson provides both an assessment of Barth's influence and a proposal as to how his work can be used as a guide as contemporary theology moves through and beyond him. The first part of the book introduces Barth's influence and provides an accurate reading of the development of theological method in the American context. The second half then explores various aspects of Barth's thought. Richardson examines Barth's continuing influence as it relates to the recent development of theology in America Throughout Richardson uses Barth as a pilgrim partner, a theological companion to show us where we are and where we may be going in American theology. His intent is to let Barth shed light on the contemporary work of theology as much as he intends contemporary theology to shed light on Barth. Readers already familiar with the works of Barth will find the exposition careful and penetrating. For those encountering Barth for the first time, this book provides an approachable introduction to a theological giant. Reading Karl Barth will be useful as a text in courses on Barth, contemporary theology, and theological methodology. In addition, it provides an introduction for pastors, church leaders, and thoughtful lavpersons who want to engage Barth

Author Biography

Kurt Anders Richardson (D.Th., University of Basel) is professor in the faculty of theology at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. An evangelical theologian and educator who works globally in North American, Asian, and European contexts, he has been a professor in a variety of seminary and university contexts.

Table of Contents

Preface	7	(2)
Introduction	9	(10)
1 Theologian of the Twentieth Century	19	(38)
2 Readings from an American Perspective	57	(22)
3 Theologia Americana, Theologia Viatorum	79	(34)
4 Overcoming Prolegomena with the Pro-legomenon	113	(18)
5 God's "God of God"	131	(30)
6 God with Us and We with God	161	(48)
7 To Be a Pilgrim Theologian	209	(16)
Bibliography	225	(14)
Index	239