The objective existence of evil in the early theology of Karl Barth

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with the early theology of Karl Earth. That means all the material published between 1911 and 1931. Any work outside this period is referred to only in order to clarify a point under discussion. This is not an historical study, although reference is made to Earth's changing circumstances when appropriate. Primarily this thesis aims to be a discussion in systematic theology. It addresses the problem of theological objectivity, that is, how can the theologian when speaking of God say "this is the case". The thesis concentrates upon Earth's understanding of ontology as it fuelled his thinking during the early years. It highlights the way in which Earth's growing awareness of God's freedom, sovereignty and subjectivity formed the foundation of a theological approach. The thesis is selective in the material on which draws. Strong emphasis is placed upon the influences of Holy Scripture, the writings of Christoph Blumhardt and Franz Overbeck, along with the debates in which Barth engaged with the thinking of Schleiermacher and Harnack. Finally attention is drawn to the way in which Earth's study of the works of Anselm helped him overcome the weaknesses of his early thinking and move towards his Dogmatic approach.