Karl Barth (1886-1968) was described by Pope Pius XII as the most important theologian since Thomas Aquinas, and his writings from the perspective of a renewed 'theology of the Word of God' continue to be a major influence among Christians, students of theology and preachers around the world today. His theology creatively re-works key Christian doctrines including the Trinity, Christology and salvation including therein, importantly, the doctrine of election. The product of the sustained work of more than three decades, his closely-reasoned fourteen volume magnum opus, The Church Dogmatics, represents the culmination of Barth's own achievements and is regarded as perhaps one of the most significant theological works of all time.

As part of the theological ethics integral to this dogmatic vision, The Christian Life offers a fascinating and provocative account of the Christian orientation toward ethical life from the perspective of divine reconciliation, setting forth a distinctive vision that sees prayer as the heart of a moral passion for the honour of God and the struggle for human righteousness.

The work of one of the most influential Protestant theologians of the twentieth century, this Cornerstones edition includes a brand new introduction by Philip G. Ziegler, both examining and celebrating the message of one of Barth's last and most suggestive writings.