Barthian

[ bahr-tee-uhn, -thee- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Karl Barth or his theology.

noun

1. a supporter or adherent of Karl Barth or his theology.

Barthian

/ -θɪən; ˈbɑːtɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Karl Barth (1886–1968), the Swiss Protestant theologian, or his ideas

noun

1. a person who supports or believes in the ideas of Karl Barth

Word History and Origins

Origin of Barthian¹

First recorded in 1925–30; Barth + -ian

Example Sentences

I suppose even a hardened Barthian might cling to at least one piece of natural theology, Christ’s saying, ‘By their fruits shall ye know them’—that so much of what we construe as virtue and heroism seems to come from faith.

From Slate

So yes, I did find Barth comforting, and a couple of my early novels—not so early, actually—are sort of Barthian.

From Slate

Rabbit Run certainly presents a Barthian point of view, from the standpoint of a Lutheran minister.

From Slate

Written late in his life, the 325 letters are full of typical Barthian barbs directed at the Allies' policy of rearming the West German "empire" and "the rabid mob of anti-Communists."

From Time Magazine Archive

The Americans were not slow to point out that this extreme Barthian view seemed to have an organic kinship with Europe's ruins, and ignored the Christian's moral responsibility to add works to faith.

From Time Magazine Archive