Travis McMaken, the Butler Bible Endowed Professor of Religion, dives into the thought-provoking theology of Karl Barth, the original crisis theologian. They explore Barth's reaction to World War I and the evolution of his ideas on incarnation and revelation. Discussing the relevance of Barth's insights for contemporary challenges, they tackle the interplay of faith and power, critiques of cultural captivity, and the transformative essence of the gospel. The conversation highlights how the incarnation remains significant for believers today, underscoring a deep, ongoing relationship with God.
Karl Barth's theology emerged from his engagement with World War I's disillusionment, prompting a re-evaluation of faith and identity.
Barth emphasized divine revelation as a personal encounter, challenging believers to actively respond to God's interruption in their lives.
He critiqued the church's conflation with nationalism, advocating for a clear distinction between faith and political ideology in society.
Deep dives
The Context of Crisis
The podcast highlights the period of crisis that theologians like Karl Barth addressed, particularly following World War I. This time was marked by significant disillusionment in Germany, as the expectations of national strength crumbled post-war, leading to a deep questioning of identity and purpose within the church and society. Barth's own pastoral work amidst struggling factory workers in Switzerland influenced his insights, as he confronted the harsh realities of industrial capitalism. This context of engagement shaped his theology, grounding it in the urgent need for a new spiritual direction against the backdrop of social and political turmoil.
A Theology of Encounter
Barth's focus on the event of divine encounter underscores that understanding God is rooted in personal experience rather than abstract reasoning. He posits that God must initiate this relationship, breaking into human experience like a lightning bolt, thereby demanding a re-evaluation of everything previously assumed. This notion emphasizes the existential aspect of faith, where believers must respond to God's revelation actively. The concept illustrates how Barth viewed theology not as a collection of propositions, but as a dynamic interaction with the divine that reshapes one’s understanding of self and society.
Rejection of Identification with Culture
One major critique addressed in the discussion is the church's tendency to conflate the gospel with national or cultural identity, a mistake Barth vehemently opposed. He rejected the notion that the church should align itself with any political ideology or cultural movement, warning against equating God's message with nationalism, particularly seen during the events leading to World War I. Barth criticized German church leaders who suggested that winning the war was essential for spreading the gospel, advocating instead for a distinction between faith and cultural dominance. This challenge remains relevant as contemporary society grapples with similar questions of identity and faith amidst political crises.
God's Universal Offer
Barth's understanding of the incarnation emphasizes that God’s revelation in Christ is universally applicable and not confined to a specific culture or tradition. He argues that Jesus embodies God's commitment to humanity, suggesting that God's saving grace extends beyond known historical faith expressions. As Barth reflects on his own theological evolution, he acknowledges that people can encounter the divine without prior knowledge of Christ, marking a significant shift in recognizing the universal nature of God's engagement with the world. This perspective invites believers to engage with the missionary aspect of God’s love, promoting hope rather than exclusivity.
Living in Expectation
The podcast concludes by touching on Barth's persistent theme of living in expectation of God's action in the world, particularly relevant during the Advent season. Barth emphasizes the importance of being receptive to God's interruptions in everyday life, akin to the traditional Advent anticipation of Christ's coming. He envisions a church that actively waits for and participates in God's work, rather than remaining passive or complacent. This call to action in expectation serves as both a challenge and an encouragement to contemporary believers as they navigate their roles in a world fraught with moral and social complexity.
In this episode, Travis McMacken joins the fun as we explore the life and theology of Karl Barth, the original crisis theologian. In this insightful conversation, we dive into Barth's theological perspective, his reaction to World War I, and his thoughts on the incarnation and revelation. The discussion covers how Barth's theology evolved, his views on the role of the church in times of crisis, and the contemporary relevance of his ideas.
W. Travis McMaken, PhD, is the Butler Bible Endowed Professor of Religion and Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. He is a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
McMaken’s writing engages primarily with 20th century theology (esp. Protestant theology, with specialization in Karl Barth, Helmut Gollwitzer, and T. F. Torrance) while working constructively on the subjects of sacramentology, ecclesiology, and political theology.
