Knowing the time

Abstract

This essay will consider the theme of temporality in the second edition of Karl Barth’s Romans commentary – a hundred years after it was first published. By offering a close reading of Barth’s text, it will firstly indicate how – in the wake of the First World War – Barth argues for a categorical distinction between time and eternity, with the former standing under the judgement of the latter. Secondly, the essay will show how, for Barth, this radical divide between time and eternity should not prompt us to give up on time, to turn our backs on our temporal existence. For, Barth believes, exactly by acknowledging the crisis of time, the possibility also opens up for us to see – and come to know – time as something standing under grace, especially in moments where the act of love is performed towards the other. Thirdly, the essay will briefly examine how this idea of time that is ‘known’ lays the foundation for Barth’s theology of confession (as seen in Barmen), which would, in turn, have a strong impact on the drafting of the Belhar Confession, sixty years later.