Barth's Christology

The Theology of Crisis, introduced by Karl Barth, has captured the interest and even the minds of many. While it has rejuvenated study of theology, the pressing question still remains whether its influence has been for good or for evil. By its introduction Barth has been credited with turning man's mind away from religious liberalism to a more intense study of Scripture -- indeed to such a degree that his theology has been termed neo-orthodoxy. Even some evangelicals have hailed Barth's theology as a return to Reformed doctrine and have accused his critics of misunderstanding and misinterpreting his position. What is Barth's theology and how does it compare with traditional Protestantism? Does Barth's Christology differ from that of the Reformers? Are all men elected and judged in Christ as Barth claims? Does Barth's notion of Geschichte vitiate the biblical doctrine of atonement? Is Adam a historical person and federal head of the human race? Does Barthian theology differ materially from Roman Catholicism and the Consciousness theology of Schleiermacher and Ritschl? The above questions, raised by Barth's teachings, find concise and unequivocal answers in this brochure written by Dr. Cornelius Van Til of Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Van Til was among the first to make a careful analysis of Barthian theology. Two of his works on that subject -- The New Modernism and Has Karl Barth Become Orthodox? -- are now out of print, but will be brought up to date in his new comprehensive treatment of Barth's theology, Christianity and Barthianism (1962). The present brochure gives the student a compendious treatment of the rather weighty substance of Barth's theology. Though brief, it is comprehensive. With this concise summary of Barth's position, Dr. Van Til discloses its deviation from biblical theology. - J. Marcellus Kik, editor - Preface.