Barth Reception in Britain

This is the first book length assessment in English of the impact of Karl Barth's theology in Britain. Beginning with the essays of Adolf Keller and H.R. Mackintosh in the 1920s, it analyses the interplay between Barth's developing thought and different strands of English, Scottish and Welsh church history up to the 1980s. Barth's impact on British perceptions of the German Church Struggle during the 1930s is discussed, along with the ready acceptance that his theology gained among the English Congregationalists, Welsh Nonconformists and theologians of the Church of Scotland. Half forgotten names such as John McConnachie and Nathaniel Micklem are brought to light along with better known representatives of British Barthianism like Daniel T. Jenkins and T.F. Torrance. Barth and the secular theology of the 1960s are assessed, along with the beginnings of the Barthian renaissance linked with Colin Gunton and others during the 1980s. Barth Reception in Britain is a contribution to modern church history as well as the history of doctrine.

About the Author :
D. Densil Morgan is Professor in the School of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Wales, Bangor, and has published on Karl Barth, modern doctrine and twentieth century church history.  

Review :
‘This is a very welcome addition to the history of Christian thought in modern Britain.' ‘Morgan, like Barth, prompts us to go on asking more questions in search of greater understanding. His thorough study of how Barth has been received so far encourages us to explore more fully the way in which Barth is read and responded to here and now, in Britain and beyond.' ... while this work may be primarily intended for a scholarly audience, it should be enjoyed by all who are interested in English language Barth studies and contemporary ecclesial life in Britain. 'In this illuminating study, Densil Morgan shows the lasting impact of Karl Barth's theology in the UK soon after his emergence as a leading dialectical theologian in Germany in the 1920s.  It is a substantial contribution to our understanding not only of the diverse reception of Barth but also to British theology in the mid-twentieth century.' - David Fergusson, Professor of Divinity and Principal of New College, University of Edinburgh, UK. 'Morgan brings to his task a unique combination of wide knowledge of the theological life of the British churches in the twentieth century and sympathetic understanding of Barth's corpus.  His account of the matter could hardly be bettered: the portraits of theologians and institutions are animated; the judgements are thoroughly informed and persuasive.  This is a book of rare intelligence and penetration.'  - John Webster, King's College, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. ‘D. Densil Morgan narrates the ups and downs of the reception of Karl Barth in Great Britain with style and verve. He covers all the major British scholars of Barth, but uncovers many surprisingly neglected figures as well. He pays careful attention to denominational contexts as well as to national differences; his treatment of Welsh-language scholarship on Barth is eye-opening. I commend D. Densil Morgan's history to all students of Karl Barth on the theory that to make progress in the present one must come to terms with the past.' - Clifford B. Anderson, Curator of Special Collections, Princeton Theological Seminary, USA. This study is full of interesting information and evaluation.  It deserves to be widely read, and it will no doubt be used as a work to which readers will wish to return for reference.