As recently as a quarter-century ago, the theology of Karl Barth was widely regarded as a thing of the past. With the massive social changes and rapid flux that characterized the mid- to late-twentieth century, Barth’s ecclesial hermeneutics seemed dated and even naïve. Yet, with time given for his work to be translated and discussed, the overall shape of Barth’s theology has become clearer. The older, traditionalist image of the Swiss theologian has been slowly dispelled. Now scholars and students of theology have realized that Barth is still interesting fifty years later. His Church Dogmatics represents one of the towering achievements of modern Christian theology – one that must be reckoned with even by its detractors. Karl Barth never lost sight of God, and that is still the best reason to read him. Indeed, reading Barth today, we are introduced to theology masterfully done and we begin to get a sense of what talk about God involves. This group is devoted to the persons and theological influences previous to, represented by, and consequent upon Barth's life and work, including names such as Hans Urs von Balthasar, Rudolf Bultmann, Robert Jenson and Karl Rahner. It is a sister-site to the long standing Yahoo Group jurgen_moltmann, whose subject himself began at a Barthian lecturn. Cross posting is encouraged where appropriate. And now, as Joseph L. Mangina says, "Reading Barth is not difficult, but it does take practice, and it helps to have a guide to show one the way."