Karl Barth in the Theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

This important work explores the complex relationship between two of the twentieth centurys most formidable Christian thinkers-Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Seizing on a much-discussed criticism that Bonhoeffer made of Barths theology in his prison letters-that Barth was guilty of a positivism of revelation-Andreas Pangritz challenges scholars who have used this statement despite being left undeveloped by Bonhoeffer as a wedge to separate the two theologians. Through a careful study of Barths and Bonhoeffers works of their correspondence and of Barths comments and revisions after Bonhoeffers death Pangritz clarifies the close yet sometimes strained relationship between Barth and Bonhoeffer and cautiously makes the case that Bonhoeffers criticism has been overemphasized and did not mark a significant breach between the two great theologians. Much more than a study of a disputed discourse in historical theology this engaging volume also raises concerns of continuing relevance regarding the role of theology in our secular society.