“Wholly Other or Wholly Given Over? What Van Til Missed In His Criticism of Barth” by Gavin Ortlund

In this essay I will examine Van Til’s criticism of Barth in three steps. First, I will describe Van Til’s criticism of Barth as it is articulated in his major anti-Barth writings. Secondly, I will critically evaluate Van Til’s criticism of Barth. My argument will be that Van Til’s critique rests upon a serious misinterpretation of Barth’s theology. Thirdly, I will attempt to explain Van Til’s criticism of Barth by examining some factors in Van Til’s historical context that make his reaction to Barth more intelligible. I will conclude by making some reflections on current evangelical assessment of Barth.