Drowning in a Sea of Barth Goo - Carl Trueman on Karl Barth

One of my hero's, Carl Trueman (I'm sure he wouldn't like me to call him that), has just disappointed me. It has sadly come to my attention that he has written the forward to Engaging With Barth (how have I missed this up til now?). I am saddened. Derek Thomas takes him to task here for his promotion of KB and Trueman's responses are here and here. His response is much of what I've heard and read before, i.e., Barth makes us think and challenges us and although we disagree with him blah, blah, blah. So, I'm still waiting for someone to tell me what is so compelling about Barth that it should make me want to study (or at least read) him. Someone please tell me I don't have to buy this book and spend valuable reading time on it.

Although I've written this somewhat tongue-in-cheek I am still serious when I ask what's the big deal? Many others down through history have made us think and have had some keen theological insights but they don't get nearly as much press as Barth does.

Evangelical Theology of Barth

Check out the Exiled Preacher's review of Evangelical Theology: An Introduction by Karl Barth. Its a fair look at Barth's thought on the subject. I have to admit that I agree with EP when referring to the book he states that his main problem area is his weak doctrine of Scripture. I think this is true of Barth in general. This is a hard stop for me as I think it should be for anyone. His views on inerrancy are less than orthodox and I'm being generous with that statement. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Barth makes us think. So what! Many good theologians do that as well. I've posted before that I don't like Barth's theology and until someone can give good reason to give any credence to what he's written in light of his views on Scripture, my view will not change. So, there's the challenge take it or leave it.

Help, I Don’t Like Karl Barth

What's so special about this guy?

Help, I don’t like Karl Barth. And, I don’t understand this modern fascination with him. From my earliest training I’ve not liked him based on what he has taught. His books in my library sit on my “heresy shelf” and forever shall they remain. Now, let me clarify that I hold nothing against him personally I and I do so hope that he is now with the Lord. Nor am I saying there is nothing we can’t learn from him. But why is he the Theologian of 20th century? Why are there numerous blogs devoted or semi-devoted to him? What is this fascination?

Like many, I’m at odds with his view of Biblical Inerrancy and his view on understanding the revelation of God borders on pantheism. On those two issues alone is enough to discredit much of what he wrote and taught.

So, somebody help me understand why Barth is so great and why he is the greatest theologian of the 20th century.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.