418 - Karl Barth 1886-1968

Karl Barth 1886-1968

Karl Barth was unquestionably the most influential, and most controversial, voice in theological discussion throughout the world over the past fifty years. His commentary on Paul's Romans, published in 1918 in the closing days of World War I, vehemently repudiated the nineteenth century liberalism which assumed that men of good will would automatically endorse the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. Doggedly and dogmatically Barth asserted that the Word of God, incarnated in Jesus Christ, must be radically distinguished from every word of man, no matter how "religious" it might be.

The net effect of Barth's theology for the past half-century has been to reinvigorate the biblical message, to stress the distinctive character of Christian theology, and-indirectly-to advance the ecumenical witness of the church in the modern world. Though much of what is peculiarly "Barthian" about his theology has been abandoned, contemporary theology (even in its more radical expressions) is unintelligible apart from him.

From its first published number in April, 1944, THEOLOGY TODAY has repeatedly invoked the name of Karl Barth, in editorials, articles, and book reviews. Our own history for twenty-five years is directly related to the "revival of theology" so closely associated with his name and influence.

As we begin a new year, fearfully yet expectantly, we reflect upon the mournfully long obituary list for 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr., Robert J. Kennedy, Franklin Clark Fry, Augustine Cardinal Bea, Norman Thomas, Thomas Merton, and now to the list we must add Karl Barth.