Karl Barth: An Introductory Biography for Evangelicals - Softcover

William H. Willimon -- author of Conversations with Barth on Preaching "Karl Barth, greatest theologian of the modern age, has had a mixed reception from evangelicals. Mark Galli here gives all of us the introduction to Barth that we've needed. This book is a wonderful contribution to both a better understanding of Karl Barth and a more fully evangelical practice of the Christian faith." Fleming Rutledge -- author of The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ "A gracious, appealing portrait of Barth's life and thought." Kevin J. Vanhoozer -- Trinity Evangelical Divinity School "Mark Galli wisely chooses to focus on two areas of interest (and continuing controversy) to evangelicals--Barth's doctrines of revelation and election. Things get especially interesting when Galli uses Barth, a 'liberal' theologian, to criticize evangelical overemphasis on subjective experience." Leslie Leyland Fields -- author of Crossing the Waters: Following Jesus through the Storms, the Fish, the Doubt, and the Seas "Galli's masterful compendium of Barth not only beautifully unveils the best of this theological giant, but it's a cheat sheet as well on the roots of evangelicalism. Most of all, it stirs and deepens our faith in the very 'Godness of God.' Don't miss this book." John Wilson -- founding editor of Education & Culture "It's old news by now that evangelical theologians are reading Karl Barth with great appreciation. Not as well known, maybe, is the groundswell of interest in Barth among evangelicals outside the scholarly guild. For these readers, Mark Galli has written a refreshingly concise, warmhearted, and plain-spoken biography of Barth that also serves as an introduction to his theology. Bravo!" Jeffrey Y. McSwain -- founder of Reality Ministries "In this warm introduction Mark Galli succinctly captures Barth's brilliance, his historical importance, and his intoxication with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Without shying away from the universalism question, Galli urges us to consider Barth's claims and what preaching a Christ-centered gospel with Barth might mean in a pluralistic world." John R. Franke -- author of Barth for Armchair Theologians "Galli's appreciative but critical posture makes this an ideal starting place for evangelicals (and others) who want to better understand Barth and his ongoing significance for Christian witness in the twenty-first century."

Karl Barth has long been an object of both suspicion and curiosity for evangelical Christians. Those who do want to know more about Barth often find themselves daunted by the sheer volume of his massive output, unsure of where to start or how to engage with the famously prolific theologian. "We flip through the nearly 9,000 pages of the Church Dogmatics," says author Mark Galli, "read a passage or two of his dense prose, and run for our theological lives." In this reader-friendly introduction to Karl Barth, Galli takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the life and writings of this giant of twentieth-century theology, paying special attention to themes and topics of concern for contemporary evangelicals, who may need Barth's acute critique as much as early-twentieth-century liberals did-and for surprisingly similar reasons. "To be sure, Barth has his share of personal and theological flaws," admits Galli. Even so, he contends, "because his theology is so grounded in Scripture, Barth is able as few can to remind us of the height, breadth, and depth of God's love in Jesus Christ."