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A review by davehershey
Dogmatics in Outline by Karl Barth
5.0
This is a classic work by one of the great theologians of the 20th century. Well, the "classic" work is the Dogmatics but honestly, who has time to read that monster? Professional theologians maybe? What Barth offers here is a densely packed journey through the Apostles creed. It is dense - I found myself wanting to underline so much it may have been easier to underline the stuff I didn't find as intriguing. As I read, I was reminded of the importance of allowing God to define who God is through revelation, rather than our vain attempts at reaching God through our own minds. Further, as Barth emphasized the complete otherness of God, I was reminded how amazing the incarnation actually is.
Most of all, it was jarring to read this book during the rise of Trump, with so many Christians in America seemingly exchanging the morals they've expected in leaders (at least, that's what I've been hearing for my entire life) for a guy they think can win. Why worry about being like Jesus, or even allowing Jesus to be front and center when we speak about God when we've got elections to win? Barth lived through the Nazi era and makes reference to Hitler and the sell-out "German Christians" at times. I do not think a Hitler is rising in America by any means. Yet the theme of a country that sees itself as Christian but seems to care little for the God revealed in Jesus, or to put it another way, the temptation to put nation above God, shows up often in history. We may be living through one such time.
For that, and simply for the fact Barth is fantastic, any and all pastors and Christians could benefit from this book.
Most of all, it was jarring to read this book during the rise of Trump, with so many Christians in America seemingly exchanging the morals they've expected in leaders (at least, that's what I've been hearing for my entire life) for a guy they think can win. Why worry about being like Jesus, or even allowing Jesus to be front and center when we speak about God when we've got elections to win? Barth lived through the Nazi era and makes reference to Hitler and the sell-out "German Christians" at times. I do not think a Hitler is rising in America by any means. Yet the theme of a country that sees itself as Christian but seems to care little for the God revealed in Jesus, or to put it another way, the temptation to put nation above God, shows up often in history. We may be living through one such time.
For that, and simply for the fact Barth is fantastic, any and all pastors and Christians could benefit from this book.