Concursus and Concept Use in Karl Barth’s Doctrine of Providence
Nature, Grace, and Norms

By (author) David C. Chao

ISBN13: 9780367700737

Imprint: Routledge

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Format: Hardback

Published: 21/11/2025

Availability: Not yet available

Description
This book provides a fresh interpretation of Karl Barth’s doctrine of providence in Church Dogmatics III/3, emphasizing concursus—the cooperation between divine and human action. Challenging accusations of occasionalism, it highlights Barth’s christological reorientation of classical doctrine and advances a social-practical theology of concept use and norms. Through rigorous analysis, the author situates Barth within historical debates on providence, demonstrating Barth’s innovative christocentric approach that avoids occasionalism. The work uniquely incorporates social-practical theory to explain how theological norms function within Christian community practices. By addressing how Barth’s concepts of faith, obedience, and prayer mediate normative authority, this volume deepens readers’ understanding of Barth’s theology. It further provides theological and philosophical tools for recognizing and critiquing ideological distortions, offering a constructive vision of how divine providence shapes human language and practice. The book will be relevant to scholars and students of theology and philosophy of religion, particularly those focused on Karl Barth, Reformed theology, and theological method, as well as readers interested in contemporary debates on the intersection of divine action, human agency, and the formation of Christian norms.
1. INTRODUCTION 2. BARTH ON CONCURSUS: AUFHEBUNG OF SCHOLASTIC THOUGHT 3. BAD CONCEPT USE AND BARTH’S COMPREHENSIVE CORRECTION 4. BARTH’S TWO RIVAL ACCOUNTS OF NORMS IN §49 5. CONCURSUS IN A SOCIAL-PRACTICAL THEOLOGY OF NORMS 6. CONCLUSION. Works Cited Index
  • Philosophy of religion
  • Protestantism & Protestant Churches
  • Tertiary Education (US: College)
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List Price: £145.00