Barth and Roman Catholicism

Abstract

This chapter provides an interpretative lens for understanding Karl Barth’s dialogue with Roman Catholicism. The central argument is that Barth’s engagement with Roman Catholic theology changed over time, even as his core theological convictions remained constant. This argument is defended through an examination of Barth’s theological development, his debates with his Catholic contemporaries, and the dramatic changes in Roman Catholic theology during the twentieth century. A number of important specific issues are explored, including Barth’s criticism of the Roman Catholic analogia entis (analogy of being), Hans Urs von Balthasar’s interpretation of Barth’s theology, Barth’s reception history amongst Roman Catholic theologians, Barth’s visit to Rome after the Second Vatican Council, and the question of Barth’s interpretation of Roman Catholic primary texts.