Barth and T. F. Torrance

Thomas F. Torrance (1913–2007) was arguably Karl Barth’s most distinguished exponent in the English-speaking world through much of the twentieth century. Having studied with him in Basel in 1937, he supervised (with Geoffrey Bromiley) the translation of the Church Dogmatics, and wrote extensively on Barth’s theology in a succession of essays and monographs. A regular correspondent with Barth, he maintained close links with him until his death. And as editor of the Scottish Journal of Theology (with J. K. S. Reid) from its inception in 1948, he ensured that the study of Barth’s theology maintained a strong profile in church and academy. This essay will explore the ways in which Torrance consistently maintained his high regard for Barth, ranking him amongst the greatest theologians in the history of the church, while yet registering various criticisms and points of departure.