An analysis of the nature and basis of Karl Barth's socialism

Using certain insights of F.W. Marquardt's seminal, if controversial thesis, 'Theoloqie und Sozialismus: Das Bespiel Karl Barth's', as a point of departure, this thesis is an analysis of the nature and theological basis of Karl Barth's socialism. A comprehensive study of Barth's writings is conducted in relation to four areas, in an attempt to derive a more precise understanding of the nature of Barth's socialist commitment, and the manner in which Barth grounds this in his theology. The continuity and changes in both of these areas of Barth's thought are analysed, showing the parallel development of his theology and his socialist commitment. More significantly, the fundamental continuities underlying all these changes are identified, and it is argued that these continuities verify the general thesis that in Barth's theology there is a consistent attempt to ground adequately a socialist praxis that neither secularises the gospel, nor divinises the human struggle for freedom. There is thus a dialectical relationship between his theology and his socialist praxis, each influences the other, but neither can be reduced to the other. Barth's theology arises in a context of socialist praxis, as a means of grounding and explicating that praxis in a theological base. It is therefore influenced by this socialist praxis, but it can never be reduced to it. It has another source which is God and God's Word, from which it derives its centre and its power, and although God and humans are held together inseparably in the incarnate Word, Jesus, they cannot be confused or form a God-human hybrid.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Religious Studies

Year dc:date.issued

1985

Author dc:creator

• Petersen, Robin M

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Villa-Vicencio, Charles

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17024

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/17024