David C. Chao – författare

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.

In recognition of Karl Barth's stature as a theologian and public figure in the life of Europe and the West, Swiss publisher Theologischer Verlag Zurich (TVZ) published Conversations, a collection of correspondence, articles, interviews, and other short-form writings by Barth. Collected in three volumes, Conversations reveals the depth and breadth of Barth's theological thought, as well as his humor and humanity. Now, for the first time in English, the second of those volumes is offered here.Covering the year 1963, Volume 2 highlights a period in which Barth was especially active, particularly in regard to ecumenism and issues related to the Cold War. Within these pages, scholars and students will find a comprehensive view into Barth's life and beliefs about theology and its role in modern society.

In recognition of Karl Barths stature as a theologian and public figure in the life of Europe and the West, Swiss publisher Theologischer Verlag Zurich (TVZ) published Conversations, a collection of correspondence, articles, interviews, and other short-form writings by Barth. Collected in three volumes, Conversationsreveals the depth and breadth of Barths theological thought as well as his humor and humanity. Now, for the first time in English, the third and final volume is offered here. Volume 3 covers the period from 1964 to 1968, the year of Barths death. As such, it represents the culmination of the great theologians thoughts on a broad range of subjects, from the challenges of living as the church in an increasingly secular world to the distinctive joys and challenges of the pastoral vocation.