Description:This study looks at the formation of theology as it emerges out of biography. Indeed, the biography of the theologian is the key to unlocking the meaning of his or her writings, and a valuable tool for a thorough investigation of their work. There will be a focus on the biography of Karl Barth and how this relates to his theological writings. Attention will then be turned on a group of North American theologians to analyze how Barth's theology has influenced their personal experiences and corresponding theologies. The personal experience of the theologian provides the background to the theological judgments she or he makes, and therefore provides valuable insight into what she or he has written. Experiences in the theologian's life determine how she or he forms and communicates the ideas that the experiences have given rise to. Indeed, theologians profoundly connect with readers as they write theology as an expression of their experiences of faith. Therefore, this book contends that there is a necessary connection to be made between the theologian as a person and the theology that emerges out of her or his unique biography. Indeed, it will be argued that theology is born out of the lived encounters of the theologian that develop into the kind of personal convictions, passions, concerns, questions, and a motivation to connect with others that is evident in her or his writing. Consequently, theology and theologian are inseparable.Endorsements:Karl Barth was a pastor when he discovered what he called, 'The strange new world of the Bible,' as he set aside the results of a century of higher criticism of the text and began to read the book of Romans as though for the first time, seeking only to hear it as Word of God. John Lewis, in this fine book, examines several evangelical North American theologians whose own 'approach' to theology has been shaped by Barth in a positive way. By showing how one's approach to theology is determinative of theological method as well as content, Lewis not only provides an insightful introduction to Karl Barth but also shows why an evangelical biblical theology is distinguished by its approach to the Scriptural text. While this study is limited to North American evangelical theologians, it shows why Barth's theology, to the extent that it is read by pastors as well as by theologians, strikes a chord with those who preach and teach out of their own experience of the Word of God. I would make it required reading for college and seminary students preparing for pastoral ministry and encourage pastors to put it in their 'must read' list.--Ray S. AndersonSenior Professor of Theology and Ministry, Fuller Theological SeminaryDr. John Lewis's painstaking and exhaustive study is a major contribution, demonstrating how crucial ideas that were sparked by one great theological mind in Europe have been transported across the Atlantic and have inspired a generation of Evangelical professors and pastors to re-assess their former convictions and thereby reinvigorate their own writing, teaching, and ministry to millions of Christian people. This book should be obligatory reading for all, not just conservative evangelical pastors and people.--John A. Mosesauthor of Reluctant Revolutionary: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Collision with Prusso-German HistoryAbout the Contributor(s):John P. Lewis (PhD, University of New England) has served as a pastor, teacher, and writer for over ten years and has taught theology and church history at a number of theological colleges.
