This book examines the speculative core of Karl Barth s theology, reconsidering the relationship between theory and practice in Barth s thinking. A consequence of this reconsideration is the recognition that Barth s own account of his theological development is largely correct. Sigurd Baark draws heavily on the philosophical tradition of German Idealism, arguing that an important part of what makes Barth a speculative theologian is the way his thinking is informed by the nexus of self-consciousness, reason and, freedom, which was most fully developed by Kant, Fichte, and Hegel. The book provides a new interpretation of Barth s theology, and shows how a speculative understanding of theology is useful in today s intellectual climate.