The Influence of Karl Barth in the Making of a New North American Evangelicalism

Abstract

In this thesis I seek to address a number of issues that help describe the theological approach of a group of evangelicals who were influenced by Karl Barth. This group is referred to as the 'new evangelicals'. I will uncover why these theologians sought for Barth's influence in the approach of their theologies, examine the nature of these influences, the way in which Barth was used as a source in their writings, the motifs that resulted, the theological agendas they pursued, and the common agenda they shared. In the conclusion I will draw together my observations in a list of comparisons that will present my argument that the new evangelicals, having been influenced by Barth, constitute a distinct theological sub-group within North American evangelicalism. The aim ofthis thesis is to produce a study ofthe effect that the influence of Karl Barth has had in the theological structures of new evangelicals. While previous works have done well in describing Barth's influence in various theologies, none have made a comprehensive study of their works. This thesis, therefore, is chiefly concerned with an investigation of those theologians who made an appreciative response to Barth. The form the analysis of this thesis takes is also new. Never before has Barth's influence in North American evangelicalism been studied in terms of how Barth came to be an influence in the theologian's thinking, before discussing the results of this influence.