Charles Helmer, The Lord Who Listens: A Dogmatic Inquiry into God as Hearer (Leiden: Brill. 2024)

The Lord Who Listens: A Dogmatic Inquiry into God as Hearer

Charles Helmer, The Lord Who Listens: A Dogmatic Inquiry into God as Hearer (Leiden: Brill. 2024), pp. 226. ISBN 978-9004693067

In The Lord Who Listens: A Dogmatic Inquiry into God as Hearer, Charles C. Helmer offers a theological exploration of an often-neglected concept in Christian theology but familiar to those attuned to Christian Spirituality: God’s act of listening. Published by Brill as part of the Studies in Systematic Theology series, Helmer’s work draws from biblical studies and the theology of Karl Barth to provide a holistic treatment of God’s hearing. For those familiar with Barth’s theological oeuvre, God’s listening receives significantly less attention than God’s speaking. Thus, Helmer’s work is both novel and necessary for the future of Barth studies.

Central Theme: The Listening God
Helmer’s central thesis is that one should view God’s hearing as an active and essential part of divine perfection, which complements the theology of God’s speaking. Throughout the book, Helmer argues that God’s listening is not passive but intentional, gracious engagement with humanity. This idea, according to Helmer, redefines how believers relate to God, particularly for those who cry out to be heard.

The book begins by examining scripture’s treatment of God as a hearer. Helmer carefully engages with biblical texts, ranging from the Old Testament’s portrayal of Abraham and the Psalms to the New Testament’s transformation of these ideas. He identifies listening as a divine attribute central to God’s covenantal relationship with humanity. By positioning God as a hearer, Helmer emphasizes the intimate nature of this relationship: God is not only a distant, commanding voice but also a close listener who engages with the cries, prayers, and sufferings of creation.

Interaction with Karl Barth
A significant portion of Helmer’s work engages with Karl Barth’s theology, particularly Barth’s focus on God’s sovereignty and divine freedom. For Barth, God’s relationship with creation involves speaking and hearing, but Helmer adds depth by emphasizing God’s hearing as a transformative divine attribute. He contrasts Barth’s ideas with other theologians who focus on God’s aseity, suggesting that God’s ability to hear is not a sign of vulnerability but rather a demonstration of divine love and grace.

Helmer develops a nuanced view of God’s interaction with the world through this theological grammar. Barth’s emphasis on divine agency is preserved, yet Helmer extends it by showing how God’s hearing plays a key role in maintaining the creator-creature distinction. God’s act of hearing reflects God’s constancy and commitment to creation, which assures believers that their prayers are always heard, even in moments of silence or doubt.

Implications for Christian Doctrines
The second half of The Lord Who Listens turns to the implications of God’s hearing for key Christian doctrines. Helmer skillfully ties the concept of divine listening to anthropology, Christology, and soteriology. He suggests that humanity’s identity is shaped by being heard, drawing a connection between divine listening and human development. This concept echoes throughout his discussion of anthropology: humans are created as social beings, formed by the voices of others and, more importantly, by God’s attentive listening.

Helmer’s argument is especially compelling Christologically. He describes Christ as the “Always-Heard Word,” whose relationship with God is characterized by constant communication. In Christ, God’s perfect listening is manifest, and the resurrection is presented as the ultimate triumph of this divine attentiveness. Helmer offers a unique lens through which to view the Incarnation as God’s ultimate act of hearing and responding to human suffering.

One of the most profound sections of the book is Helmer’s treatment of human suffering and the existential need to be heard. Helmer provides a theological framework that assures believers of God’s attentiveness in a world where many feel their cries go unheard. This notion is relevant to modern-day suffering and societal issues, where many are marginalized and silenced. Helmer’s argument that God’s hearing is a “dignifying grace” positions this attribute as essential to Christian hope.

Critical Analysis and Conclusion
The Lord Who Listens is a deeply theological work that offers new insights into an overlooked aspect of Christian doctrine. Helmer’s engagement with scripture and theology is rigorous, yet his writing remains accessible to those familiar with dogmatic theology. One of the book’s strengths is its interdisciplinary nature: Helmer engages with theology and brings in philosophical and existential reflections on human existence and suffering. His work is as much a pastoral resource as a scholarly one.

However, the book may be challenging for readers unfamiliar with systematic theology or Karl Barth’s works. The depth of theological analysis can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly for those unfamiliar with dense theological writing. That said, Helmer’s clear structure and careful explanation of key concepts help guide the reader through the complexities of the subject matter.

This book is recommended for theologians, pastors, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of God’s nature. It will particularly appeal to those seeking theological resources to address suffering, prayer, and divine engagement. Helmer’s creative and thoughtful approach makes The Lord Who Listens an essential addition to any theological library.

Hank Spaulding, Editorial Assistant, Center for Barth Studies, Princeton Theological Seminary