John Calvin and Karl Barth – Free and obedient theologians

Authors

  • MS Van Zyl

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17570/ngtt.2009.v50n3.a32

Keywords:

Barth, Calvin, Freedom, gereformeerd, obedience, reformed,

Abstract

This article explores the parallels between John Calvin and Karl Barth, not mainly with regards to the content of their respective theologies, but rather with regards to the way in which they practiced theology. It is argued that both John Calvin and Karl Barth were theologians who were free from church tradition and public society, which enabled them to speak prophetically to the church and to the world. This freedom enabled them to speak freely and clearly about the Word of God, which reveals God's grace in Jesus Christ. But for both of them this freedom meant to be obedient to the free God, Who commands us to be the light in this world, so that the world might see the coming kingdom of God.

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Published

2009-12-31

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