Description: In the broad arena of Barth studies there has been surprisingly little done on Barth's view of evil. This book provides a comprehensive look at the «peculiar ontology» of evil within Barth's theological framework including the development of the concepts of evil in his early theology. It finds that Barth's most important treatment of evil is not found in his famous section on Das Nichtige, but rather in his Doctrine of God. The book's primary focus is on demonstrating that there are four dominant motifs that provide essential insight for proper understanding of his doctrine of evil. In analysing and critiquing these motifs this study provides the reader with a clearer understanding and appreciation of Barth's doctrine of evil. This book concludes with a construction of a «Barthian theodicy», and drawing out implications for Christian preaching, counseling, and ethics.
Review Quotes: «The theme of evil and its place in God's world is one which has often preoccupied theologians in the modern period. Scott Rodin's study reveals that for Barth too this issue lay constantly to hand as he wrestled to discern and unfold the inner logic of the Christian gospel for his generation, albeit not so much as a preoccupation (let alone an apologetic preoccupation) as necessary context and foil for the unequivocally good news concerning the God of grace. Dr. Rodin combines enthusiasm and sympathy for Barth's basic theological project with a genuinely critical reading. His book is a most welcome contribution to the recent renaissance of serious interest in Barth's theology.» (Trevor Hart, Professor of Divinity, University of St. Andrews)
«Scott Rodin's masterly account of Karl Barth's doctrine of evil reveals the extent to which this was a pervasive theme in his theology. He provides a sympathetic yet critical account of the recurrent motifs employed by Barth to describe the nature of evil as this is disclosed through God's self-revelation. What is of particular significance is the manner in which this is traced back by Rodin to Barth's doctrine of God. He has provided us not only with a significant contribution to Barth studies, but also with a valuable monograph on theodicy.» (David Fergusson, University of Aberdeen)