Interpreting Barth's Eschatology: An Eco‐Theological Reappraisal

Critical eco‐theologians do not consider Karl Barth's theology of creation helpful in addressing the contemporary ecological crisis. In this article, I explore a way to interpret Barth's theology that could lead to a fruitful eco‐theological perspective. First, criticism within existing scholarship on Barth's doctrine of creation will be examined. Next, what may seem like a surprising locus in Barth's theology in this regard, viz., his eschatology, will be examined. I argue that Barth's (unfinished) eschatology is closely related to his theology of creation: the eschaton does not introduce anything fundamentally new but rather serves as a recapitulation of earthly life. This reading evokes a renewed ethical imperative for creation care today.