The Theology of Karl Barth (Communio Book) [Paperback]

Hans Urs Von Balthasar (Author), Edward T. Oakes (Translator)

Book Description

Series: Communio Book | Publication Date: October 1992

Hans Urs von Balthasar Written in 1951 (with a second edition in 1961), this book takes its place within an impressive array of attempts to wrestle with Karl Barth's theology from a Catholic point of view. The book adopts the twofold strategy of presenting an exposition of "the whole of Barth's thought," while doing so for the purpose of a confessional dialogue among theologians. Not to be construed as an "Introduction to the Theology of Karl Barth, Balthasar's effort is to provide a Catholic response which, though not "official", nonetheless seeks to express a common direction and movement within Catholicism. The Theology of Karl Barth shows how a rethinking of basic issues in fundamental theology--concerning the relation of nature and grace, philosophy and theology, the "analogy of being" and the "analogy of faith"--might lead to a rapprochement between the two great rivers of Christianity, without compromising the center of gravity of either. In the process the book makes a major contribution to renewed understanding of Christianity in a secularized modern world. Co-published with Communio Books. "This reflection by one of the century's great Catholic theologians on the theology of one of the century's great Protestant theologians is an example of ecumenical dialogue at its best. One finds here a sympathetic and at the same time faithfully Catholic discussion of the major issues surrounding Barth's christocentricity. The appearance of an unabridged English translation of this book could hardly be more timely for the current religious situation in North America." - David L. Schindler, Gagnon Professor of Fundamental Theology, John Paul II Institute "No one should think he can quickly dispose of questions posed here offhandedly. It was precisely because writers were in the habit during the time of the Reformation of theologizing with a hammer that the spl

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Paperback: 431 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press; 3rd edition (October 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898703980
• ISBN-13: 978-0898703986
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #499,398 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic interpretive and ecumenical study, April 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Theology of Karl Barth (Communio Book) (Paperback)

An excellent book! Not only is this a significant work by one of the past century's most important Roman Catholic theologians, but it has set a paradigm for Barth interpretation for 40 years since its publication - even among Protestant scholars. Balthasar's study focuses on the issue of nature and grace (naturally) and the promise of Christological ways of theologizing for ecumenical dialogue. Balthasar's reading of Barth's theological development has been challenged of late (Bruce McCormack), but his 'magisterial work' contains so much promise and insight that it is not likely to be outdated anytime soon. I definately recomend this book to anyone interested in Barth, Balthasar, or in Catholic-Protestant dialogue.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still Worth Reading, October 29, 2005

By 

John D. White "camsterdad" (Cayce, South Carolina United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Theology of Karl Barth (Communio Book) (Paperback)

Though now superceded by Bruce McCormack's book on Barth (Karl Barth's Critically Realistic Dialectial Theology) Von Balthasar's book still contains a beautiful interpretation of Barth's theology. The book is very well written, understandable, and appreciative. For those looking for a good introduction into Barth's theology this is one book to have on the shelf.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on Barth's theology from a Catholic perspective, August 1, 2007

By 

Scott A. Kirkpatrick (mid-west) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Theology of Karl Barth (Communio Book) (Paperback)

This is a well written book which provides a succinct overview of Karl Barth's theology and development of thought over his career as a theologian. It will provide the reader with a road map for further studies into the vast work of this prolific thinker from another great theologian who is always respectful of Barth while careful to delineate
the many similarities and contrasts within the light of Catholic theology. Balthasar does write in such a way that Barth can and does speak for himself and this alone makes this book worthwhile. This is a book that Protestants and Catholics alike can find rewarding.