Was Karl Barth a Universalist?

[@jjjoniec]

This was a really helpful affirmation to my theological understanding of not just universalism v. particularism, but theological understanding in general. As a Moravian Christian, the deeper thinkers among us become comfortable with the unknowns/unknowables in the Ultimate Mystery (Did I read in that Moltman liked to use "Mystery" in place of the noun "God" ???). It amazes me that so many Christians will (idolatrously) assume the mantle of Judge and fail to work for social justice, which is, in my humble opinion, so much more important to the kingdom of God/heaven than bean-counting who gets into heaven and hell. Thanks again for another great video!

[@StephenDMorrison]

Thanks for watching, James, and thanks for your thoughtful reflections! I definitely agree with you regarding mystery.

[@samdung5630]

I think there's also a difference in the way the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches deal with mystery. I believe the Orthodox church is less bound by trying to make everything logical and has retained more focus on mystery and meditative prayer, which I hadn't is truer to the original Christian church. That wasn't worded well, but I think the point was made.

[@TorrinCooper]

Great teaching brother! 💯

[@StephenDMorrison]

Thanks!

[@ovld2023]

This theology is the most successful attempt I know of that reconciles universalism and particularism. I attend a Calvinist church, but am a hopeful universalist as well.

[@samdung5630]

Wow... this was amazing to me. I loved it!!! Thank you! I feel like This actually gave me permission to stop trying to make up an illogical answer to a question only God can answer, which is what I find people doing, or ignoring or minimizing other parts of the Bible.

[@StephenDMorrison]

Thanks for watching, Sam! Glad to hear you benefited from the video!

[@lowkeytheology]

Great explanation, Barth’s view on election was what got me interested in him as well.

[@StephenDMorrison]

Thanks! Yes, it is such a fascinating aspect of his work. Very compelling, too.

[@pabloh5884]

Could you recomend be some books from Karl Barth?

[@StephenDMorrison]

"Evangelical Theology" is a good place to start, as is "Dogmatics in Outline." These are shorter works that summarize much of his thought. "The Faith of the Church" is also quite good. Otherwise, his main work is the "Church Dogmatics," and as daunting as it can be, it really is the best book to read from Barth. I'd suggest starting with CD IV/1, or perhaps II/1.