Karl Barth’s affair with Charlotte von Kirschbaum wasn’t the only major conflict behind his theology

For many years there was specu­lation about the relationship between Swiss theologian Karl Barth (1886–1968) and his assistant, Charlotte von Kirsch­baum (1899–1975). It is known that she traveled with Barth, and they spent time together at a retreat house on Lake Zurich. Most scandalous of all, Kirschbaum lived in the Barth household. The only entry to her bedroom was through his adjacent study.

In 1991, Barth’s children put a stop to the speculation by releasing private correspondence which revealed that Barth and Kirschbaum had a romantic relationship, one that put extreme pressure on Barth’s relationship with his wife, Nelly, and put him at odds with his extended family. Barth’s mother was very disapproving of his mistress, as were some of his siblings, although Barth’s brother also had a mistress. “What good is the most discerning theology when it suffers a shipwreck in your own home?” his mother once wrote to him.

Divorce between Barth and Nelly was broached several times, but it was never pursued. Barth felt an obligation to Nelly, but he couldn’t give up the emotional and intellectual bond with Kirschbaum. Instead, the Barth household lived with the constant tension of Kirschbaum and Barth’s relationship, despite the fact that his kids had some affection for her and called her Aunt Lollo. Barth referred to the triangular relationship as “the least imperfect solution.”