Calvin, Barth, and Reformed Theology

There can be little doubt that John Calvin and Karl Barth belong to the first rank of great theologians of the Church and both continue to exert profound influence on friend and foe alike. Both were theologians whose writings have particularly helped to shape the world of Reformed theology. Historically, there can be little doubt that Calvin's influence on Reformed doctrine has been much greater than that of Barth, and this continues to be so in the present day. In contract, Barth's Reformed credentials have at times been questioned – not least because of his distinctive reformulation of the doctrines of election and atonement. This raises the question: can there be a fruitful dialogue or engagement between those who seek to maintain the traditional, Calvin-orientated stance of the Reformed faith and those who are persuaded of the value of Barth's reconstruction of Reformed theology? This book offers an opportunity to assess how Calvin and Barth might help carry the mantle of Reformed theology into the future. Doctrinal areas of focus: the sacraments, the nature of atonement, and scripture.