The Humanity of God

Karl Barth is a polarizing figure, especially amongst evangelicals. Some, following  Van Til , doubt whether his thought can even be called Christian; others find him a stimulating resource, and one of the most profound thinkers of the modern era. Part of the trouble is that his main work,  Church Dogmatics  is crazy long, and difficult to follow. One doesn't just look up "soteriology" in the index, his thought weaves lengthy and elaborate treatments, coming at a topic from a number of angles._The Humanity of God_ is a fantastic introduction to Barth's theology. It contains three lectures delivered in the 1950s, later in his life (he died in 1968). These lectures/essays "reflect a certain development in Barth's thinking. The mere fact of this development needs to be underscored. In American and in Britain, Barth's theology is often understood and judged primarily not he basis of some of his earlier writings available in English. It is no longer possible, however, to think and speak responsibility about him if one's knowledge is limited to the earlier writings." (from the "Translator's Preface", p. 5)Each essay is complete in itself, yet they all fit together well. "Evangelical Theology in the 19th Century" offers a fascinating glimpse at Barth's self-awareness of his context in history. It offers a penetrating but charitable critique of the liberal theologians of the previous generation, and begins to spell out his own positive account of Christian theology. His metaphor of a house with open windows (p. 19ff) is illuminating and his call for "a certain carefree and joyful confidence in the self-validation of the basic concerns of theology" (p. 20) offers a sturdy position with which to face philosophical and historical skeptics."The Humanity of God" is the middle essay, offering an account of how it is that God can be, and is, "for us." This is a rich essay, one that I've read and re-read, and which exceeds my conceptual limits as I try to think about God. This is Barth at his best - painting such a magnificent and deep picture of God in Christ that humbles me, fills me with awe and wonder, and love and praise for such a God. Barth is not just obscure, technical, academic theology. He is very edifying, and warms and stirs the heart."The Gift of Freedom" offers an ethical account of human freedom that is rooted in the lordly freedom of God. Another rich, "distinctly Christian" account of God and man, as opposed to more general philosophical construals.This is rich stuff. Together with  Evangelical Theology , these are a great introduction to the contours of Barth's theology. When one takes the plunge into the _Dogmatics_, you find these same themes explored much more expansively, but you can recognize the shape from his more accessible work. Highly recommended.

Karl Barth is arguably one of the greatest Protestant theologians of the last 200 years. This book is one of his most easier to understand material. Here he writes for the average Christian and not the academic scholar.The writing is engaging as Barth's essays deal with three different subjects, yet, compliment each other. The first essay is "Evangelical Theology in the 19th Century." Barth concisely examines the dangers of liberal theology and the effects it had on the 20th Century.The second essay is "The Humanity of God" of which the book is titled. This essay is a Christological work and is well worth the read.The last section, "The Gift of Freedom", deals with the Christian life i regards to God's gift of Freedom. Frredom is a gift from God that He alone can bestow on us.This is a great work which is very easy to read and quick to get through (only 96 pages). This book will inspire to read more works by this great Christian thinker. Whether one agrees with him or not, Barth is always engaging.

Humanity of God from Karl Barth makes you appreciate humanity in a whole new perspective. Man is in the heart of God and everyone is included in his love. When he shares about Calvin's not pushing his Christology enough towards God's humanity which in turn created a predestination teaching that would exclude God's humanity and create a downfall that Calvin would most certainly preferred not experiencing such gloomy aftermath concerning letters containing "so much bitterness", losing a friendship with Sebastian Castellio who went off against Calvin. "The humanity of God" is but the second essay in this book, which is preceded namely by "Evangelical Theology in the 19th Century" and followed by the third "The Gift of Freedom Foundation of Evangelical Ethics".

Barth is necessary reading to understand the centrality of the Trinity to Christian thought. His discussion of God's Humanity and Jesus as fully human within the context of the Trinity is clear and concise. This is an important read before tackling Barth's Church Dogmatics. The translation is well done.

Karl Barth was an influential 20th century Swiss Theologian from the German School of thought. This school has a rich and deep history of important persons and writings, some more controversial than others. The Humanity of God contains three essays of Barths that reflect the richness of this history. These essays are on subjects familiar to us all but from a distict perspective that lends itself to a greater awareness of the deep love the creator has for his creation.

I purchased this book because it is required reading for one of my courses at Seminary. It is what I would expect for master's level reading material.

Good price and shipping. It is a old book.

Interesting content, but not the most interesting book. The font also makes it slightly difficult, but not prohibitively so. Overall, I would recommend.

This is a good book. However, the information about the book is incorrect. Amazon.in tells that the book length is 265 pages, while the actual count is 96 pages. Please refer to the image.