Barth's Moral Theology: Human Action in Barth's Thought [Paperback]

John Webster (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0567083861 | ISBN-13: 978-0567083869 | Publication Date: October 27, 2004

John Webster shows how Barth's work as a whole should be regarded as a moral theology. He opens with a study of Barth's ethical thinking in key writings from the period of his break with theological liberalism, and then highlights the moral anthropology set out in his lectures on ethics from the end of the 1920s. He studies the themes of original sin, hope and freedom in Barth's Church Dogmatics, illustrating Barth's concern to prove that divine grace shapes and restores human agency. He explores the theme of the missionary activity of the church in relation to Barth's remarkable treatment of the prophetic office of Christ. He also draws a contrast between the moral anthropology of Barth and Luther. Praise for BARTH'S MORAL THEOLOGY 'An excellent volume of essays [which has] succeeded in showing that Barth is neither 'indifferent' nor 'hostile' to human moral action, but is profoundly concerned to understand it in its inextricable relation to divine action.' --Roland Chia, Epworth Review '. . . a well-researched and closely-rounded study of Barth's theology of human action. The author concludes the book with two outstanding chapters: first, a profound comparison of Luther and Barth on human agency, and second, the influence of Barth and Luther on one of today's leading theologians, Eberhard Jungel. To be commended without hesitation.' --John D. Godsey, Wesley Theological Seminary, Interpretation>

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent volume of essays [which has] succeeded in showing that Barth is neither 'indifferent' nor 'hostile' to human moral action, but is profoundly concerned to understand it in its inextricable relation to divine action." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: T&T Clark Int'l (October 27, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0567083861
• ISBN-13: 978-0567083869
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,667,724 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent guide to Barth's theological ethics, April 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Barth's Moral Theology: Human Action in Barth's Thought (Hardcover)

Webster continues the task taken up in his previous effort, Barth's Ethics of Reconciliation, which examined Barth's mature ethical writings. Here, he expands the defence of his thesis that Barth's relativizing of human moral consciousness before the Word of God does not at all compromise, but rather properly establishes, the true place of human action. He offers a revision of previous efforts at Barth interpretation (similar to Bruce McCormack's work) through a more exhaustive and systematic study, utilizing neglected or previously unavailable texts such as Barth's Muenster Ethics and The Christian Life, as well as the early ethical writings not addressed in Webster's last study in Barthian ethics. It is an important contribution to Barth scholarship and to theological ethics upon which further efforts will be built.