Book Review: Letters of the Divine Word: A Commentary on Karl Barth’s Doctrine of the Divine Perfections

The neglected topic of the divine attributes in contemporary discussions regarding the doctrine of God has been brought to light in a new book by Robert Price, Assistant Professor of Theology at Talbot School of Theology. In his revised dissertation, “Letters of the Divine Word,” Price delves into the theology of Karl Barth and the perfections of God, filling a gap in modern theological studies.

Price’s work is not a constructive piece on the divine attributes, but rather a commentary on Barth’s Church Dogmatics II/1. He acts as a guide through Barth’s argument, clarifying key issues and engaging with recent scholarship to explain Barth’s views on the divine perfections. The book is divided into five chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Barth’s doctrine of God.

One of the key phrases for Barth is “the being of God as the one who loves in freedom,” which encapsulates his entire doctrine of the divine perfections. Barth pairs various perfections such as grace and holiness, mercy and righteousness, and patience and wisdom, emphasizing the reciprocal and dialectical relationship between divine love and freedom. Price highlights Barth’s campaign against nominalism and his grounding of the divine perfections exclusively in God himself.

Overall, Price’s work offers a clear and compelling account of Barth’s view of the divine perfections, making it a valuable contribution to Barth studies and the discussion on the divine attributes. Readers, whether familiar with Barth or not, will find Price to be a careful guide through Barth’s complex theological arguments. Price’s work is commended for its wisdom and balance, standing out as the best book available on the perfections of God in Barth.