I recently finished reading (this morning) the book Karl Barth for Armchair Theologians by John R. Franke and was very impressed. Karl Barth was the pre-eminent protestant theologian of the early 20th century (and potentially the early 21st century). Franke's book offers an impressive and very thorough introduction to Barth and his theology in a way that one would think impossible across a mere 170 pages.

 

Barth is notable for the complexity of his thought which arises in part from a dilectical approach to theology. Franke very clearly and lucidly navigates the reader through many of the complexities and past some of the simplistic and one-sided interpretations of Barth (Neo-Orthodox versus Post-Modern) to a holistic/comprehensive view.

 

I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking to develop a more nuanced theology, most especially as a primer for those who are considering reading Barth (or have already done so). An excellent read!