God Here and Now Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *God Here and Now* by Karl Barth about?

*God Here and Now* explores core Christian themes like revelation, grace, and ethics through seven essays. Barth argues God becomes knowable through Jesus, scripture, and preaching ("secondary objectivity"), bridging divine transcendence with human experience. It distills his theology into accessible insights on encountering God in modern life, addressing the Bible’s authority, the Church’s role, and critiques of humanism.

God Here and Now

Karl Barth

3.93 (152 Reviews)

Theology

Philosophy

Society

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Karl Barth's theological masterpiece challenges how we encounter God today. Revered by Pope Pius XII as equal to Thomas Aquinas, this revolutionary work sparked debates on divine presence that transformed Protestant thought. Discover why theologians still wrestle with its provocative question: Is God truly here and now?

What is God Here and Now by Karl Barth about?

God Here and Now explores core Christian themes like revelation, grace, and ethics through seven essays. Barth argues God becomes knowable through Jesus, scripture, and preaching ("secondary objectivity"), bridging divine transcendence with human experience. It distills his theology into accessible insights on encountering God in modern life, addressing the Bible’s authority, the Church’s role, and critiques of humanism.

Who should read God Here and Now?

Theology students, pastors, and readers interested in 20th-century Protestant thought will benefit most. Its concise format suits those new to Barth’s dense Church Dogmatics, while seasoned theologians gain clarity on his views of revelation and ethics. Christians seeking deeper engagement with grace and scriptural interpretation will also find it valuable.

Is God Here and Now worth reading?

Yes, for its concise introduction to Barth’s theology. While some concepts remain challenging, the essays clarify his belief in God’s presence through flawed human mediums like the Church. Critics note its implicit arguments, but it remains a seminal primer on his mature thought.

How does Barth define revelation in God Here and Now?

Barth describes revelation as God’s "secondary objectivity" – His choice to become knowable through Jesus, scripture, and preaching despite their human limitations. This "miracle" allows the transcendent God to engage humanity directly, transforming theology from abstract doctrine into lived experience.

What role does the Church play according to God Here and Now?

The Church mediates God’s revelation through preaching and sacraments but remains a flawed, human institution. Barth stresses its mission to proclaim Christ’s grace, not moralize, while critiquing its alignment with secular power structures like nationalism.

How does God Here and Now address ethics?

Barth ties ethics to divine command rather than human reasoning. Moral action flows from encountering God’s grace, rejecting rigid rules. He emphasizes responsibility to neighbors, reflecting Christ’s love in social and political contexts.

What critiques of humanism does Barth present?

Barth rejects humanism’s reliance on human achievement, arguing it distracts from dependence on God’s grace. His 1949 Geneva address warns against conflating societal progress with divine purpose, urging humility before revelation.

How does God Here and Now interpret the Bible’s authority?

Scripture’s authority derives from its role in revelation, not historical accuracy. Barth sees it as a dynamic witness to Christ, requiring interpretation through faith rather than literalism.

How does this book compare to Barth’s Church Dogmatics?

Shorter and more accessible, God Here and Now simplifies key themes without the exhaustive detail of his 12,000-page Dogmatics. It’s ideal for newcomers, though scholars may prefer the latter’s depth.

What are common criticisms of God Here and Now?

Some find Barth’s arguments overly implicit or philosophically dense, requiring supplemental readings. Others argue his focus on divine transcendence downplays human agency in ethical decisions.

Why is God Here and Now relevant today?

Its critique of institutional hypocrisy and emphasis on grace resonate amid modern crises of faith. Barth’s call to confront societal injustices through Christ-centered ethics offers a framework for navigating cultural polarization.

What notable quotes come from God Here and Now?

While direct quotes vary by translation, key ideas include:

“God shows He is so much God that He can also be not-God.”
“The Church exists to proclaim what God has done, not what humans ought to do.”
“Grace frees us for responsible action, not from it.”

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When God Refuses to Stay Distant

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What if everything we've been told about finding meaning-through self-improvement, political ideologies, or even religious rituals-has missed the most startling truth? Karl Barth's "God Here and Now" doesn't offer another spiritual framework to try on for size. It announces something far more unsettling: God has already acted decisively in human history, and this action changes everything about who we are and how we live. While modern culture oscillates between therapeutic spirituality and militant secularism, Barth insists on something radically different-God is not an idea to contemplate but a living presence who has entered our world in Jesus Christ. This isn't philosophy or mythology. It's the claim that divinity became flesh, suffered death, and rose again-not as metaphor but as concrete historical event. This divine invasion demands our response. We cannot remain neutral observers analyzing religious concepts from a safe distance. God's presence confronts us directly, asking not for intellectual assent but for total reorientation of life. In an age where religious institutions decline yet spiritual hunger persists, Barth's urgent message cuts through both empty religiosity and hollow materialism with a single, provocative assertion: God is here, now, and everything depends on how we respond.

The Revolution of Divine Humanity

The Human Predicament: Created for Glory, Trapped in Rebellion

God's Word as Sovereign Reality

Faith as Radical Decision

Living Under God's Grace

The Message That Cannot Be Contained

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@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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God Here and Now by Karl Barth Summary

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