Karl Barth and the Problem of War, and Other Essays on Barth - Softcover

Yoder, John Howard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1592443575 ISBN 13: 9781592443574

Publisher: Cascade Books, 2003

Synopsis

A passionate opponent of Nazism, Karl Barth was required to serve in the Swiss army. At the age of 54, he helped guard the Swiss border at Basel from German intruders. Some would suggest this is all we need to know in order to understand Barth's views on Christianity and war. John Howard Yoder begged to differ.

"Karl Barth and the Problem of War" is an essay in which Yoder articulates the views of his former teacher on war, these views comprising a position he refers to as "chastened non-pacifism." Through a rigorous examination of Barth's ethical method, Yoder seeks to show how the logic of Barth's basic theological commitments makes him even closer to pacifism than is often noticed.

Here five additional essays, three of which have never before been published, join this long essay. These essays offer further reflections on Barth's "chastened non-pacifism," as well as offering some of Yoder's fruitful use of Barth's theology for social ethics.

About this title

About the Author

Mark Thiessen Nation (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor of theology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and has authored several books, including "John Howard Yoder: Mennonite Patience, Evangelical Witness, Catholic Convictions".

Review

"In these pages one of the 20th century's most important figures in Christian social ethics engages with another over a period of thirty years, with the result that light shines on both. John Howard Yoder's 1970 study of Karl Barth on the problem of war is a classic piece of critical interpretation of Barth's ethical thought, and it remains one of the most searching English-language analyses of his treatment of a particular moral issue and of his 'casuistical' method. It has been long out of print and, like most of the other essays helpfully gathered together in this book, difficult to obtain. Anyone who cares about method in theological ethics, the theological integrity of Christian social ethics, the political witness of the Church, and Christian views of peace and war now owes Mark Thiessen Nation a debt of thanks for bringing this material (back) within reach." ---Nigel Biggar, Professor of Theology at the University of Leeds, England and Professor-elect at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland is the author of 'The Hastening that Waits: Karl Barth's Ethics' (Oxford, 1993, 1995) and the editor of 'Reckoning with Barth'

"John Howard Yoder was a theologically rigorous and passionate advocate of Christian pacifism and a perceptive reader of Karl Barth. These attributes were fully displayed in his early book on Barth's ethic of war, now happily reprinted in this new edition edited by Mark Thiessen Nation." ---Gary Dorrien, Parfet Distinguished Professor, Kalamazoo College, and author of 'The Barthian Revolt in Modern Theology' (Westminster John Knox Press,1999).

"In engaging with a world which relies on violence to settle disputes, for which profit is the bottom line, and which idolizes success, no-one is more helpful for Christian life than Karl Barth. And in helping us to understand Barth's true radicalism, in assessing its strength and weakness, in bringing us closer to the true astringency of the gospel, no-one is more helpful than John Howard Yoder. These essays are an addition to that small collection of books which genuinely further Christian discipleship and which address us, and help us address our world, with the claim of Jesus Christ." ---Tim Gorringe, Professor of theology, University of Exeter, and author of 'Karl Barth: Against Hegemony' (Clarendon 1999).

Edition details

• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1592443575
• ISBN 13: 9781592443574
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 200
• Editor: Nation Mark T