This is an authoritative collection of studies from the hand of one who has few peers as an interpreter of Barth.

It may not be terribly clear as to whether or not this reviewer is willing to recommend the book. And the response that must be given is that it wholly depends upon the purpose potential readers may have in picking it up in the first place. If they are seeking a piece that will helpfully explicate modern theology in the thought of Karl Barth then it is highly recommended. McCormack has shown himself committed to reading Barth in his own modern historical, cultural, and intellectual context. In so doing he has done justice to the man and his thought in a way so many other Barth scholars have not. However, if readers are seeking a work on orthodox theology—historically understood—then this reviewer cannot recommend the volume. That is not because Barth or McCormack never say anything orthodox! Rather, it is because the greatest strength of the book is also its greatest weakness. It so accurately captures the essence (or should we say actuality?) of the Basel professor's thought that it allows Barth to be Barth in his radicalness. It is a noble task to make clear the historical-theological record, but in so doing McCormack has proven just how far his thought is from Reformed systematic and biblical theology.