The Epistle to the Romans [Paperback]

Karl Barth (Author), Edwyn C. Hoskyns (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 1968

This volume provides a much-needed English translation of the sixth edition of what is considered the fundamental text for fully understanding Barthianism. Barth--who remains a powerful influence on European and American theology--argues that the modern Christian preacher and theologian face the same basic problems that confronted Paul. Assessing the whole Protestant argument in relation to modern attitudes and problems, he focuses on topics such as Biblical exegesis; the interrelationship between theology, the Church, and religious experience; the relevance of the truth of the Bible to culture; and what preachers should preach.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Karl Barth (1886-1968) was an influential Swiss Reformed Christian theologian. He was also a pastor and one of the leading thinkers in the neo-orthodox movement.

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 6 edition (December 31, 1968)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195002946
• ISBN-13: 978-0195002942
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,891 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

95 of 99 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most important modern religious works., February 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Epistle to the Romans (Paperback)

This is the book that brought an end to 19th century liberal theology's attempt to produce a neat synthesis of Christianity and culture, a psychological Christianity or an anthropologized Christianity. The project was a failure, and Barth tells us why and what should replace it -- a religionless Christianity? Not really a Biblical commentary. If you're looking for an exposition of the text, this isn't what you want. It's more like a manifesto, using Paul's epistle to the Romans as a place to begin the attack on cultural, non-prophetic Christianity. Written in a dialectical, highly expressive style. If you like Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, this is your kind of theologizing -- with a hammer. It can be exhausting, and you will either love it or hate it. Barth later changed his style and tone, but not his message.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An exhausting read, April 19, 2007

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Quilmiense (USA/Spain) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Epistle to the Romans (Paperback)

The way to tackle this book is first not to expect an easy read in the way of a 'companion read to Paul's Epistle to the Romans'. This is stuff for theologians. I have to admit that it was way above me. All I could rescue from its doomed oblivion were some quotations here and there. I think the first and second above reviewers give a good account of it: this is a break-up with liberal evangelicalism; it's no "make-you-feel-good" religion. I suppose it meant a lot by the time it was published; today we might take it for granted.

He points out, as Luther did, the "kernel" of the whole Epistle: "For there is no distinction: for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God" (3:23)

On sin: "Precisely when we recognize that we are sinners do we perceive that we are brothers."

Works vs Faith: "So long as we are swayed by any other motive except faith, we do not stand before God."

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The infinite qualitative difference between God and Humanity, December 26, 2008

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ecclesial hypostasis - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Epistle to the Romans (Paperback)

This is Barth's bombardment against syncretism of all kinds in Christianity. He wrestles with Paul's epistle until it is 'transparent' to the mid-20th century context, and exposes the compromises of modern religion. Barth's struggle (and that of his disciple Dietrich Bonhoeffer) against the Nazi regime flowed inevitably from his relentless questioning of Christian liberalism.
At first it may appear that he is only dealing superficially with the text of Romans as a pretext for his own thoughts, but soon you see a depth of understanding of Paul's message that makes other commentaries appear lightweight. The question for Christian churches is what to build on the rubble that this book leaves behind of our most cherished ecclesiastical and religious dreams. Highly recommended.