In this rigorous and deeply researched study, marked by profound theological insight, Jonathan Lett challenges widespread misunderstandings of Karl Barth's interpretation of nature. Barth's rejection of natural theology, natural law, and the orders of creation is often taken to signal a fundamentally negative attitude toward creation's nature and order. Lett demonstrates, convincingly and with careful textual analysis, that the opposite is true.

Overturning reductive portrayals of Barth as governed by an actualist or historicist agenda indifferent to metaphysical questions, Lett shows that Barth develops a rich and robust ontology of creation-one grounded decisively in the person of Jesus Christ.

This timely volume is both intellectually demanding and richly rewarding. Its significance extends well beyond Barth studies: it deserves close attention from all who are concerned with the doctrine of creation and with the task of thinking theologically about the natural order.

Alan J Torrance, University of St Andrews, UK

Lett offers a long overdue and brilliant correction of a longstanding misreading of Barth. He shows why it is simply false to claim that Barth did not have the theological resources to defend a coherent doctrine of creation. Lett patiently and clearly shows that Barth's central interest was to highlight the constant temptation of fallen humanity to use their creaturely knowledge to turn God into an irrelevant or lifeless idol.

Brian Brock, University of Aberdeen, UK