The Early Barth: Lectures and Shorter Works (Volume 2, 1909-1914)

Karl Barth was the most influential theologian of the twentieth century, and his work continues to inspire both fresh theological thinking and critical debate. The period covered by the volumes in the Early Barth series--1905 to 1933--saw Barth emerge from his training under such theological giants as Adolf von Harnack and Wilhelm Herrmann; assert his rejection of liberal Protestant theology in his towering commentary on Romans; and work through an earlier uncertainty to become a critic on theological grounds of the rise of Nazism. These volumes contain English translations of essays, lectures, academic papers, correspondences, editorials, and other writings that were not previously translated into English, and they provide insight into the development of Barth's theology during this crucial period of his life.

Volume 2 of The Early Barth--Lectures and Shorter Works covers the period in Barth's career when he served as a pastor, first in Geneva and then in Safenwil, Swizerland, and up through the point where his theology takes a decisive turn in response to the outbreak of the First World War. It includes substantive footnotes offering historical context and comparative documents, as well as annotations at the beginning of each writing, providing background information that contextualizes the Barth piece, Barth's purpose for writing it, his approach and sources, its reception, and more.