Van Til and Barth

Karl Barth once said that Van Til regarded him as the greatest heretic. Indeed, Van Til wrote a book called Christianity and Barthianism. Following Machen’s Christianity and Liberalism, the theme of the book is clear: that Barthianism is different from Christianity. I don’t know if Van Til is completely right here. Certainly Barth’s theology departed from orthodoxy in many places, but his understanding of the total depravity and sinfulness of man is unparalleled. He has certainly called attention to the bankruptcy of 19th century European theological liberalism, and his theology raises serious questions and provides interesting, if not always satisfactory, perspectives. And surely his heroic opposition to Kaiser Wilhelm and later to Hitler is to be admired.

Contrary to the stereotype, Van Til is not the dogmatician who denounces everyone with whom he disagrees. I was particularly moved by this anecdote from White’s authorized biography of Van Til (147):

Soon after Christianity and Barthianism was released, William Jones, a warm friend and admirer of Cornelius Van Til, was driving along a street in Princeton where he happened to spot the continental theologian hurrying to keep a probable appointment. Jones braked his car and called out, “Dr. Barth, may I take you somewhere?”

Barth looked up, surprised, and said in broken English, “T’ank you very much, yes.”

He got into the car and explained where he wished to go.

Jones said, “Dr. Barth, I’m a friend of Cornelius Van Til. I must say you and he are great scholars, even though you disagree in your convictions.”

Karl Barth frowned and said, “Ach, he hates me.”

“No sir, he doesn’t hate you or anybody else,” Jones protested. “I happen to know he often prays for you.”

Barth was deeply moved. “I am glad to know that,” he said quietly.

We know Van Til best as a theologian and apologist, but he is first and foremost a Christian who is worthy of our imitation.