Trueman on Reading Barth

Carl Trueman has some interesting pointers on reading Barth. I'm still learning about Barth and this past year has been the first time I've ever read anything by or about him. It is a challenge and I enjoy challenges. If you are unfamiliar with Barth, I think that these comments will be helpful to you.

Read this article: Barth (posted by Carl Trueman)
Followed up by: More on KB

HT: Sean Michael Lucas
**Sean Lucas has his own post on Barth (Karl Barth, Evangelicals, and Dealing with Others) which struck up an interesting series of comments which may also be worth your time--if you are interested in learning more about Barth and Evangelical/Fundamentalist responses to his theology.

I've listened to Van Til's lectures on Barth and was helped by them. You can find them at the following locations:

• Part 1-Karl Barth
• Part 2-Karl Barth

Finally, the first book I read about Karl Barth is the volume on his life and theology in the Armchair Theologian series by WJK Press.

Franke, John R. Barth for Armchair Theologians. Illustrated by Ron Hill. WJK Press, 2006. Paperback, 192 pages.

This is an enjoyable, easy-to-read biography/introduction to the thought and writings of Karl Barth. I appreciated it most because I enjoy studying church history, and this was written with this sort of a reader in mind. Franke does a fine job simplifying the story of Barth from early childhood to his brief pastorate to his career as a professor of theology. In introducing the works of Barth, Franke continues to keep it simple because there "frankly" isn't enough room in the volume to deal with anything in length. However, he surveys some of the most helpful works that deal with Barth's writings, especially the massive CD. Comparing this work to some of the other biographies of Barth that I have, this is an ideal place for a beginner to start.

Ben Meyers (Faith & Theology) reviewed this book here: John Franke: Barth for armchair theologians

Trueman on Reading Barth