Despite Barth’s opposition to metaphysics, John’s Gospel explicitly begins with the metaphysical statement that ‘the Word became flesh’, which is a foundation for Barth’s theology.

The interpretations of revealed truth have developed as new scientific and moral insights have arisen.

Barth has not given up juridical (penal substitutionary) models of atonement, yet states a very different participative model.

Barth’s short history of Protestantism as a decay into liberal ‘heresy’ can be counteracted by a recognition of a positive growth of human values, scientific knowledge, and critical history In modern theology.