Abstract
There is a recent rekindling of interest in the doctrine of atonement, especially by analytic
theologians. This re-emergence of interest seems to be exploring and breaking boundaries
with respect to the traditional doctrines of atonement. Arguably, Karl Barth is a significant
figure in the history of the Church, especially in his view of atonement. Barth explicates the
doctrine of atonement from the perspective of revelation and reconciliation. In his CDIV§59,
Barth argues that the atonement is the history of Christ, and its highest point is His passion on
the cross, where the Judge of all was judged. In the Cur Deus homo, many conventional
doctrines of the atonement emphasised the weight of human sin and the love of God as its
basis. Contrarily, in Barth, humans’ sin is not the sole basis of atonement. The revelation of
Christ as God-man reconciling man-God to the Triune God is Barth’s focus. Barth’s divergent
view is no doubt contingent upon his concept of sin as Das Nichtige. Since sin is nothingness,
therefore, it is not the only basis for atonement. It is Christ who reveals sin. This paper
explores Barth’s view of atonement, taking his understanding of sin as a point of departure.
Although human sin is terrible and affects their relationship with God, Barth’s view, with its
emphasis on the Person of Christ creates a robust view of the atonement in relation to the deity
of Christ and His relationship with the Father as the basis for human reconciliation with the
Father and fellow humans.