From the Publisher
“Edwards has written a book that is at once playful and serious, idiosyncratic and traditional, provocative and edifying. I wish more theologians wrote such crisp and unguarded prose.”
—Adam Neder, Whitworth University
“Edwards has a knack for translating sophisticated theology into ordinary language while elevating everyday popular music to mature theological heights. Edwards . . . reminds his reader—neophyte or specialist—that good theology delights even as it demands everything from us. This contribution will be a powerful aid to those just beginning their pilgrimage and to teachers who hope to chart that rugged terrain to others.”
—Lindsey Hankins, George Fox University
“Edwards’s book embodies the very claims made by Barth—that God’s revelation is free and breaks into our world in surprising ways—and we would do well to listen. For those wondering, ‘Who is Jesus?’ ‘What is revelation?’ ‘Was the world created or has it always existed?’ Edwards provides a rocking theological journey to the tune of funk, grunge, and alt-pop.”
—Katherine M. Douglass, Seattle Pacific University
“Edwards’s lyrical storytelling, passion for the wilderness, and penchant for discerning parables of the kingdom among a panoply of rock-and-roll legends combine for a fresh, chili-pepper-infused un-taming of modern theology. This is a theology in service of the community accompanied by musical reconsiderations of divine and human natures, trinity and election, church as event, the sacramentality of food, and the meaning of time. Rock on!”
—Matthew Puffer, Valparaiso University
“The academic captivity of theology is a scandal that deprives the uninitiated of the best that has been said about God. By setting the most demanding (and true!) theology to the soundtrack of a generation, Mark Edwards has smashed the academy’s decorative pumpkins and made from them a delectable and nourishing meal.”
—Matthew J. Milliner, Wheaton College
“I have witnessed Mark Edward’s God-given ability to tackle complex theological matters in the classroom, in the pulpit, and in front of the youth group. . . . With Christ Is Time, Mark shares that gift with his reader. It is a refreshingly personal engagement that blends challenging theological thought with great music while bringing the reader right to ‘the edge of glory’ (Lady Gaga).”
—Dave Davis, Princeton Theological Seminary
“Like Karl Barth, who thought with and through the music of Mozart, Mark Edwards thinks with and through the music of his youth . . . . Edwards invites us to discover answers to the pressing existential questions raised by the lyrics of these artists in the theological formulations of Church Dogmatics. He thus instructs us in one of Barth’s most basic lessons: the questions of existence are always already questions of God.”
—Derek Alan Woodard-Lehman, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
“One wishes that all academic theology were this heavy, lighthearted, and engaging. Sad but true.”
—T. R. Niles, University of Bern
“Christ Is Time is a rich and original book that would make a great—and fun—textbook for an introductory theology course. But its best use might be as a gift to your teenaged or middle-aged (’90s child!) agnostic friend who likes to quote Nietzsche when they take out their AirPods; such readers will find someone who speaks their language and proclaims the gospel in their native tongue and so just might listen.”
—Matt Bruce, Western Theological Seminary
“Through beautifully human anecdotes alongside theological discussions punctuated, exemplified, and contrasted by legendary rock and roll, Professor Edwards has created a map to navigate the theological wilderness of Karl Barth. Readers will feel as if they are transported to a lecture hall, soaking up captivating lessons alongside fellow students. It inspired nostalgia for our Imprisoned Minds class and reminded me of how often my mind felt like it was being melted and remolded.”
—Catherine Garrett, Princeton University, Class of ’24
“In my time in Dr. Edwards’s class, I saw him cultivate ideas and allow students’ minds to evolve and flourish. In his new book, Dr. Edwards explores the convoluted topic of time, using Karl Barth as a tool to unravel its complexities.”
—Michael Crockett, The College of New Jersey, Class of ’24
“This is something that, even knowing that it’s written by someone I admire and appreciate, I would immaturely roll my eyes at before making a sarcastic comment concerning religion and politics in this country. That said, Dr. Edwards had me on board from the start with the Beastie Boys. . . . In the interest of meeting my grievance/criticism quota, here’s what I have for Dr. Edwards: No David Bowie?”
—Jina Park, The College of New Jersey, Class of ’20
“Well, it looks like our early debates over predestination turned into something productive. You’ve got me reading Barth these days too. As for listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers . . . Mom and I will take your word for it.”
—James R. Edwards, Whitworth University, emeritus (and Mark’s dad)
“Mark has managed to get one classically trained church musician to open his ears to The Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana and open his heart to the impassioned theology of Barth. Being a part of his church small group on Barth has been transformative, and I hear echoes of Mark’s voice throughout his excellent book. This short guidebook to the mountain ranges of Church Dogmatics could inspire anyone to begin the climb with fearlessness and joy.”
—Noel Werner, Director of Music, Nassau Presbyterian Church
“This is the writing of a scholar who is equally at home teaching in a graduate-level classroom, a youth group, or a prison. His genius is not only in making Karl Barth more accessible but more fascinating. Throughout the book, Mark Edwards directs the reader’s attention to the ways Barth’s theology has pressing relevance for the contemporary yearnings of those ‘who wonder about, and wander after, the truth.’”
—M. Craig Barnes, Princeton Theological Seminary
