Welcome back to another edition of Book Notes for the God Here & Now online magazine! For the month of July, we will not review books about Barth but highlight books that he wrote. Specifically, we will cover the three-volume set entitled Barth in Conversation. The Center for Barth Studies is proud of this multi-volume set, which was the first published volumes of translations from the center’s translators seminar. We hope you have read at least one of these texts and will consider purchasing them for your library:
Karl Barth, Barth in Conversation, Vol 1., 1959–1962. Edited by Eberhard Busch (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2017), vii–279 pp. (hardcover)
Karl Barth, Barth in Conversation, Vol 2., 1963. Edited by Eberhard Busch (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2018), vii–233 pp. (hardcover)
Karl Barth, Barth in Conversation, Vol 3., 1964–1968. Edited by Eberhard Busch (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2019), ix–387 pp. (hardcover)
The Barth in Conversation volumes are English translations of three Gespräche volumes published by Theologischer Verlag Zürich (section IV of the Gesamtausgabe). These English translations are a three-volume set featuring Barth's correspondence, conversations, interviews, and other short writings from 1959–1968. These books are a great resource for those interested in understanding Barth's theology without diving into longer, more technical texts such as the Church Dogmatics. In these conversations, we find Barth in short, digestible pieces that still represent the depth of his thought. The essays, lectures, and conversations greatly examine Barth's theology and life. The writings are occasional but thorough, which adds the nuance of a scholar grappling with the events of his day. Academics, pastors, and lay people will find a comprehensive view of Barth's life, his theology, and its significance for the world.
The Swiss publisher Theologischer Verlag Zürich (TVZ) made the original texts of these volumes accessible to readers, providing a unique look into the role of theology in our world. TVZ originally published Conversations for this purpose. The English translators of these volumes sought to capture the depth and breadth of Barth's theological thought, humor, and humanity, making these volumes a valuable resource for a wide range of readers.
It would be impossible to offer a comprehensive account of the important material of these volumes here. However, I want to give a glimpse of some of the volume's gems. In the first volume, we find dialogues with representatives of the Evangelical Community Movement, conversations with prison chaplains, a question-and-answer session with the Conference of the World Student Christian Federation, discussions with Methodist preachers, press conferences in New York and Chicago, and an interview at the United Nations.
The second volume, covering 1963, highlights a period in which Barth was especially active, particularly regarding ecumenism and issues related to the Cold War. Both seasoned academics and first-time readers of Barth will get a comprehensive view of Barth's life, his theology, and how he sees the role of theology in the world. The method found therein still has much to teach contemporary readers.
The third and final volume covers the period from 1964 to 1968, the year of Barth’s death. One cannot overstate the significance of these texts. They represent the culmination of Barth’s thoughts on a broad range of subjects, from the challenges of Christian living in an increasingly secular world to the distinctive joys and challenges of the pastorate.
We highly recommend these fantastic volumes. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a newcomer to Barth’s theology, they will enrich your understanding of Barth's thoughts and life.
Thank you for reading this edition of book notes. If you want to see a particular book reviewed here, email me at hank.spaulding@ptsem.edu. We appreciate your engagement and look forward to seeing you next time!
Upcoming Event 📣
We invite you to our upcoming September 23–24 conference, The Church, the Pastor, and Resonance in an Accelerated Age. In partnership with Luther Seminary, the Center for Barth Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary is hosting a conference honoring the work of eminent philosopher Hartmut Rosa at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. Over two days, noted theologians and scholars will engage Rosa's work on acceleration and resonance in the modern world. A range of leading practical and systematic theology scholars, such as Andrew Root, Miroslav Volf, and Philip Ziegler, will speak at the conference. The format will be a hybrid event so that participants can attend in person or virtually, allowing for greater international attendance and participation.
Call for Writers 📝
The Center for Barth Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary is pleased to announce a call for writers for our online magazine, God Here and Now, for the 2024–2025 academic year. We are seeking contributions from students, scholars, and writers who can critically and thoughtfully explore topics related to Karl Barth and adjacent theological themes.
About God Here and Now:
God Here and Now is an online magazine that offers insightful reflections and discussions on various aspects of Karl Barth's theology with critical engagement to contemporary issues and questions. We encourage submissions that creatively explore Barth's thought in dialogue with current pressing theological, ethical, and social issues. Contributions may also engage with the reception of Barth's ideas across different theological traditions and contexts.
Submission Guidelines:
Length: 800–1200 words
Content: We welcome original critical essays, reflections, and reviews related to Karl Barth’s theology in conversation with contemporary issues. Submissions should be clear, engaging, and accessible to a diverse audience interested in theology.
Formatting: Submissions should be in English and formatted in the Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition).
You can submit your writing using this form.
Additional Information:
Selected contributors will have their work featured on the Center for Barth Studies website and promoted on our social media platforms.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to the ongoing and constructive dialogue emerging on Karl Barth’s theology and connect with scholars and readers interested in contemporary theological discourse.
Writers will also receive a modest honorarium for their writing and free in-person registration to the 2025 Barth Conference.
For inquiries or further information, contact the Center for Barth Studies at barth.center@ptsem.edu. We look forward to receiving your submissions!
