From the 1920s on, Karl Barth's thought was received with great interest not only by Protestants but also by Catholic theologians, who analyzed it in detail. This study outlines how and why this happened, especially in the period leading up to Vatican II. Dahlke shows how the preoccupation with Barth's 'Epistle to the Romans' and the Church Dogmatics' triggered a theological renewal among Catholic theologians. In addition to Hans Urs von Balthasar's critical appropriation of Barth's thought the the controversy about the issue of analogia entis with Erich Przywara is also dealt with.

This title presents distinguished scholars on Calvin and his surprising up to date relevance addressing three central current issues: faith - ecumenism - public responsibility. This inspiring collection of essays spells out the relevance of John Calvin's theology for today in three areas: Faith? Calvin's theology asks how God deals with the persistent presence of human sin. For Calvin, the chief end of life is to know God and devote our life to his glory. The still topical point is that we are freed from our fixation with ourselves, thereby recognising and living out our true reality in relation to God. Ecumenism? The unity of the Church in Christ is of central importance to Calvin. We must do our utmost to make it visible. In Calvin's view, if there is agreement in the understanding of God and grace, all other differences have no divisive importance. This still characterises Reformed understanding today. Public responsibility? Calvin posed the question about the church's public responsibility as no other Reformer did. Part 3 reveals the sources of the worldwide impact of Calvin's and Reformed theology on politics, the law, scholarship and the organising of life in society, including civil society.