| Unit name | The Theology of Karl Barth (Trinity and Baptist Colleges) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS20179 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Professor. Liveley |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
THRS1NEW2 or equivalent |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit will explore the theology of a man whom many have considered to be the greatest Christian thinker since Thomas Aquinas: the Swiss Reformed theologian Karl Barth (1886-1968). Through a careful reading of some of his most significant texts, students will become familiar with Barth's basic theological intuitions, as well as his innovative perspective on such key doctrines as the Trinity, Christ, divine election, sin, and Scripture. Barth's life and context will also be considered and related to his dogmatic insights.
The unit aims to:
1) engage students with Barth's most significant theological contributions.
2) unlock Barth's writings as a resource for consultation in the midst of mission and ministry.
On completion of the unit, students should be able to:
1. be familiar with Barth's most important texts.
2. read Barth's somewhat difficult writing style with more facility and ease.
3. articulate and evaluate Barth's positions on a number of key doctrines.
4. relate Barth's theology to the broader Christian tradition.
5. engage theological texts with greater competence and critical skill.
Nine two-hour lectures and one two-hour seminar over a ten-week period
Summative assessment will be through an essay of 2,500 words (70%; ILO's 1-5) AND a class presentation (30%; ILO's 1-5).
Barth, K. Church Dogmatics IV/1: The Doctrine of Reconciliation, Study Edition, vol. 21 (London: T&T Clark, 2010)
Barth, K. Dogmatics in Outline (London: SCM, 2001)
Barth, K. The Epistle to the Romans (London: OUP, 1965)
Hunsinger, George. How to Read Karl Barth: The Shape of His Theology (Oxford: OUP, 1991)
McCormack, Bruce L. Orthodox and Modern: Studies in the Theology of Karl Barth (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008)
Webster, John. Barth (London: Continuum, 2004)
