Courtesy of the Hultink Family Foundation, the Cántaro Institute is now the new home for the Reformational Digital Library (formerly known as the Reformational Publishing Project). All rights reserved.
Document: A.D.R. Polman, Modern Thinkers: Barth, Trans. Calvin D. Freeman (USA: Presbyterian & Reformed, 1982).
Excerpt: Karl Barth stands as one of the most significant theological voices of the twentieth century, shaping the movement known as neo-orthodoxy in response to the theological liberalism of his time. While his desire to call the church back to a more serious engagement with God’s revelation was commendable, his approach remained deeply problematic. As A.D.R. Polman argues in his critical monograph, Barth ultimately failed to align with Christian orthodoxy in key areas such as Scripture, predestination, and creation. Particularly concerning is Barth’s view of biblical inspiration, which places its authority in the reader’s experience rather than in the objective, God-breathed nature of the Word itself. Polman’s critique, though written decades ago, remains highly relevant, offering a clear biblical response to Barth’s theological innovations and serving as a necessary resource for those engaging with his legacy today.
Download the Document:
Modern Thinkers: Barth – A.D.R. Polman.pdf