Following Augustine, how does Karl Barth (1986, 1–19) suggest we approach our reading of Scripture (e.g., John’s Gospel)? How does he explain our situation before the word of Scripture and that which it reveals or bears witness to, the Word, the Logos of God?

What is Karl Barth’s approach to Scripture and his perspective on it as “witness” to and in distinction from God’s self-revelation.

 

Following Augustine, how does Karl Barth (1986, 1–19) suggest we approach our reading of Scripture (e.g., John’s Gospel)? How does he explain our situation before the word of Scripture and that which it reveals or bears witness to, the Word, the Logos of God? What is Karl Barth’s approach to Scripture and his perspective on it as “witness” to and in distinction from God’s self-revelation?

The Gospel of John is centered on the story of Jesus Christ, how he is God in flesh and bone. It talks about the struggles, hardships, and sermons Jesus took a part in his life, from being given to the world as the one and only son of God, to him dying on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for his father to forgive his creation’s sin. His life, starting from humble beginnings and serving others before himself, then went on to perform miracles for people who came before him. Once sacrificed for the good of the world, his father rose him from the dead so he could show his disciples and encourage them to spread the Word of God, the Logos of God.

The approach Karl Barth has with the Gospel of John is focusing on the identity of the Messiah, an incarnation of God himself, and how his actions on Earth reflect how Christians are supposed to act like our Creator. According to the story, Jesus died so he could wipe our sins away. However, Barth encourages readers to stray away from thinking Jesus has to do all the work. Instead, he emphasizes that Jesus is in fact God, and his actions on Earth reflect how we have to act according to his Word, and not rely on being saved just through accepting Jesus died for us. We should have accept salvation, but also take God’s life on Earth as an example of how to go about our lives. Barth approaches this Scripture as a ‘realistic novel’ in which he takes notes of the main character, his aspirations and goals, to adapt into his own life.

            In John, bearing witness was not written so abruptly in the Bible. Instead, it was shown in the many people surrounding Jesus. From John the Baptist, to Mary Magdalene, to his twelve disciples, Jesus made sure to be exemplary to his people on bearing witness of God’s Word. Through the many stories in the book of the New Testament, we see people bringing more people to gather in front of Jesus and listen to his father’s word. Barth portrays the central character of John’s Gospel in a way that makes it seem that the other characters are bearing witness to him. Barth explains the significance of how the book was written in a way to not command others to bear witness, but instead showing it through the actions of the Messiah and how his witnesses felt it was their need to continue their Savior’s legacy and sharing the key to salvation.

            Karl Barth approaches the Scripture of John taking on the perspective of the witness rather than focus his entire attention and devotion towards God’s revelation in the flesh. John himself was not mentioned in the chapter until the end. The reader takes on the perspective of John as he watches how the story of the Messiah unfolds. He takes the lessons Jesus taught and the ones his fellow disciples learned along the way. Barth knew that seeing John take in the truth of Christianity and who Jesus really was and truly having faith in it was going to be way more powerful than God revealing himself to the people. After all, Christianity is not based on a higher power’s face-on revelation, but rather faith in the Word of God.