Church and State (Church Classics Series)

Perhaps better remembered for his revolutionary Epistle to the Romans and his monumental Church Dogmatics, Karl Barth is also to be remembered for his brave stance of faith opposing the tyranny of the Nazi regime. The Swiss theologian who affected the shape of all twentieth century theology as the "Father of Neo-orthodoxy," also clearly articulated an understanding of the Church's relationship to the State that continues to inform those who refuse to surrender to Caesar the things that are God's. Now one of Barth's most important statements about these issues is again available to a new generation of Christians who continue the struggle against oppression and threats to religious liberty. "At all times and in changing situation he (Barth) sought to speak and act responsible under the lordship of Jesus Christ... At several points Barth's interpretation of Scripture calls us to a reconsideration of our own heritage relating to the separation of Church and State." — from the introduction by David L. Mueller