Karl Barth

NAME: Karl Barth

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Renowned Swiss theologian and one of the most important Protestant thinkers of the 20th century, known for his groundbreaking work in Christian theology, particularly his emphasis on the sovereignty of God and the revelatory nature of Scripture.

BIRTH: Karl Barth was born on May 10, 1886, in Basel, Switzerland.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: On a crisp Monday morning in 1886, the good folk of 42 Grellingerstrasse, Basel, were treated to a surprise – not the annual infestation of rogue pigeons (though those were never far off), but a bouncing baby boy in the Barth household.  This was Karl, who, while undeniably a bit of a scruncher at birth (as most newborns are, let's be honest), would grow up to become one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century.  His father, Johann Friedrich Barth, was a local pastor,  a Swiss Reformed minister and professor of New Testament, and a beard that would make even ZZ Top jealous. Mama Barth, née Anna Katherina Sartorius Barth, came from a long line of scholars and pastors, practically theology royalty in those parts

CHILDHOOD: Karl Barth's childhood was shaped by a strong religious upbringing and exposure to theological discussions within his family.

Karl was described as a troublesome child, disliking school and leading a street gang

EDUCATION: Barth studied theology in Bern, Berlin, Tübingen, and Marburg, where he was influenced by leading theological figures of his time, including Adolf von Harnack and Wilhelm Herrmann.

CAREER RECORD: Barth's career in theology began with pastoral ministry in Geneva. He later became a professor of theology amd gained international recognition for his theological writings. His resume reads:

Pastor in Safenwil, Switzerland (1911-1921)

Professor of Theology at universities in Göttingen, Münster, and Bonn (1921-1935)

Dismissed by Nazi authorities for his opposition to their ideology (1935)

Professor of Theology at University of Basel (1935-1962)

Active writer and speaker on theological issues throughout his career

APPEARANCE: Karl Barth was known for his distinctive appearance, often portrayed with a bushy beard and round glasses. He was described as tall with a prominent nose. 

Karl Barth in 1956 by Bundesarchiv, Bild 194-1283-23A / Lachmann, Hans / Wikipedia

FASHION: Barth's style was characterized by simplicity and practicality, reflecting his focus on intellectual pursuits rather than outward appearances.

CHARACTER: Barth was known for his intellectual rigor, humility, and unwavering commitment to theological truth. He was described as passionate, intense, and with a strong sense of conviction

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Barth was known for his wit and dry humor, often used to make complex theological points more engaging

RELATIONSHIPS: Barth married Nelly Hoffmann, a talented violinist in 1913, who supported him throughout his career. They had a daughter and four sons, two of whom became theologians

While serving at Göttingen he met theologian Charlotte von Kirschbaum, who became his long-time secretary and assistant. He also maintained significant friendships with theologians like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Emil Brunner.

MONEY AND FAME: Despite his influential status in theology, Barth lived modestly and was not driven by personal wealth or fame.

FOOD AND DRINK: Barth enjoyed simple Swiss cuisine and was known to appreciate a good glass of wine.

MUSIC AND ARTS: While not a prominent aspect of his life, Barth appreciated classical music and occasionally attended concerts.

LITERATURE: Barth was an avid reader and drew inspiration from various literary sources, although his primary focus was on theological texts.

Karl Barth was a prolific writer, though his most famous work is undoubtedly his theological magnum opus, Church Dogmatics. This unfinished multi-volume work, published over several decades, attempted to systematically lay out the core tenets of Christian belief. This was a tome that emphasized human limitations and God's, well, enormousness. No one put God on a higher pedestal than Karl Barth. 

Barth also wrote commentaries on biblical texts, particularly his early work on The Epistle to the Romans, which helped establish his reputation as a leading theologian.

Beyond formal theological works, Barth wrote extensively on a variety of topics, including ethics, politics, and culture.  His collected letters and lectures offer further insight into his theological development and his passionate engagement with the world around him.

The original 'white whale' edition of the Church Dogmatics from Barth's study

NATURE: Barth found solace in nature and often took walks in the Swiss countryside, which he viewed as a reflection of God's creation.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Barth's interests were primarily intellectual, with little emphasis on hobbies or sports.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Barth engaged with scientific and philosophical developments, seeking to integrate them into his theological framework.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Barth's central contribution to theology is the development of Dialectical Theology, which emphasized the absolute difference, or "wholly otherness," of God from human experience.  He challenged the optimistic views of Liberal Protestantism, arguing that humanity could not comprehend God on its own terms.  Knowledge of God, according to Barth, comes only through revelation in Jesus Christ.

Barth's theology was deeply influenced by various thinkers, including Søren Kierkegaard, whose emphasis on human anxiety resonated with Barth's own experiences.  He also drew from the Protestant Reformers like John Calvin and the early church fathers.  Barth's own work, in turn, has had a profound impact on countless theologians across traditions.

POLITICS A socialist in his political views, Barth opposed the Nazi regime in Germany and supported church-sponsored movements against National Socialism.

SCANDAL: Barth's theological views sometimes sparked controversy within the church, particularly his critique of natural theology and emphasis on divine revelation. 

Barth wasn't a fan of fascism, particularly the brand served up by the Nazis in Germany.  Karl wasn't one to mince words, and he penned the Barmen Declaration, a six-point theological punch to the gut of Hitler's ideology.  This, unsurprisingly, didn't go over well with the jackbooted set, and Karl found himself booted out of Germany and back in Switzerland.

MILITARY RECORD: Barth opposed the German nationalist movement during World War I and was briefly imprisoned for his anti-war stance.

The Great War left Barth, like many, a bit shell-shocked. It also left him mightily unimpressed with liberal theology, which seemed about as useful as a chocolate teapot in the face of such global catastrophe. So, he decided to tackle it head-on. The result? His Epistle to the Romans, a theological grenade that exploded onto the scene, paving the way for a Protestant revival built on the solid bedrock of the Bible.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Barth struggled with health issues throughout his life, including heart problems in his later years.

HOMES: Throughout his life, Karl Barth lived in various locations in Switzerland and Germany.  His early years were spent in Bern, where his father taught theology.  Following his studies, he served as a pastor in Safenwil.  Academic appointments took him to university towns like Göttingen, Münster, and Bonn.  

After being dismissed from his position in Germany for opposing the Nazi regime, Barth returned to his native Switzerland and settled in Basel, where he remained until his death.

TRAVEL: Barth traveled extensively for academic conferences and lectures, contributing to his international reputation.

DEATH: Karl Barth passed away on December 10, 1968, at the age of 82. He died peacefully at his home in Basel, Switzerland. 

Barth's burial took place in Basel, where he had lived and worked for much of his life. He is interred in the Hörnli Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Switzerland, located in the municipality of Riehen near Basel. The cemetery is known for its serene environment and for being the final resting place of many notable figures.

His funeral was a modest and private affair, reflecting his character and values, which emphasized humility and a focus on God rather than personal acclaim. Barth’s legacy continues to influence theology, particularly in Protestant and ecumenical contexts, long after his death.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Barth's primary focus was on writing and teaching theology.  He did not have a significant media presence beyond lectures and interviews related to his theological work.  His lasting impact lies in his written legacy, which continues to be studied and debated within theological circles.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Karl Barth's major achievement lies in his influential theological writings, particularly his monumental work Church Dogmatics, which continues to shape contemporary theological discourse. He revitalized Protestant theology by emphasizing the primacy of God's revelation in Jesus Christ and challenging the theological trends of his time.

Barth was featured on the cover of Time magazine on April 20, 1962.