Quotes from Karl Barth

There is a notion that complete impartiality is the most fitting and indeed the normal disposition for true exegesis, because it guarantees a complete absence of prejudice. For a short time, around 1910, this idea threatened to achieve almost canonical status in Protestant theology. But now we can quite calmly describe it as merely comical.

The very names Kierkegaard, Luther, Calvin, Paul and Jeremiah suggest what Schleiermacher never possessed, a clear and direct apprehension of the truth that man is made to serve God and not God to serve man.

Exactly halfway between exegesis and practical theology stands dogmatics

In the Credo the Church bows before that God Whom we did not seek and find—Who rather has sought and found us. Now

To wish to withstand the Holy Spirit would be the one unforgivable sin.

Christendom and the theological world were always ill-advised in thinking it their duty for some reason or other, either of enthusiasm or of theological conception, to pitch their tents in opposition to reason.

Thou shalt make no image, no abstraction, including none of THE American, THE Swiss, THE German.

God transcends even the undertakings of evangelical theologians.

The Christian Church does not exist in Heaven, but on earth and in time.

The church speaks finally in that it prays for the world.

Agape is related to Eros, as Mozart to Beethoven. How could they possibly be confused? Agape

In dogmatics our question is: What are we to think and say?