Call to Discipleship (Facets) [Paperback]

Karl Barth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2003 | Series: Facets

In this brief essay, drawn from Church Dogmatics, Barth articulates what it means to follow Jesus in faith. He emphasizes that discipleship involves a detachment from the authority of possessions, foregoing the pursuit of personal glory, challenging the fear and use of force, the dissolution of self-evident personal attachments, and a "better righteousness," which goes beyond actions to intentions and practices piety in secret. "The command of Jesus . . . is issued with all the freedom and sovereignty of grace against which there can be no legitimate objections, of which no one is worthy, for which there can be no preparation, which none can elect, and in the face of which there can be no qualification."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Karl Barth was Professor of Theology at the University of Basel, Switzerland, and one of the most influential theologians of the twentieth century. Among his many works are The Epistle to the Romans, Church Dogmatics, and Evangelical Theology: An Introduction.

Product Details

• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: FORTRESS PRESS (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800636325
• ISBN-13: 978-0800636326
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #204,279 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Theology > Protestant
  • #59 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Christian Living > Discipleship
  • #89 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Theology > General

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT!, July 21, 2005

By 

Adam Gonnerman (North America) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Call to Discipleship (Facets) (Paperback)

A few months ago someone recommended I begin reading the writings of Karl Barth. I started with this book because it was the first one I could find in a bookstore. I'm glad it was!

This little volume is actually a section taken from Barth's "Church Dogmatics," and does a wonderful job of describing the nature of discipleship as well as the theory behind the practical outworking of following Christ in one's life.

"The Call to Discipleship" is now a regular part of my devotional reading, and will probably remain so for some time to come.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reflecting on the meaning of following Christ, May 30, 2006

By 

Glenn M. Harden (Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Call to Discipleship (Facets) (Paperback)

Are you considering becoming or trying to become one of those who accompanies Jesus "wholeheartedly and constantly, sharing his life and destiny at the expense of all other engagements and commitments" (5)? This book will help you reflect upon the freedom given and obedience required. Recommended for devotional reading.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, terrible editorial work, May 5, 2008

By 

K. H. Acton (Mississippi) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Call to Discipleship (Facets) (Kindle Edition)

A good essay by Karl Barth from his Church Dogmatics. I wholeheartedly concure with the previous reviewers reguarding its devotional and challenging quality, though one should know that he himself admits to simply covering the more original material of Bonhoeffer's Cost of Discipleship. I'm giving this edition only three stars because the editing to make it gender inclusive was so poorly done that it detracts from the flow and power of the original translation.