Concursus and Concept Use in Karl Barth’s Doctrine of Providence
Product details
- ISBN 9780367700737
- Weight: 550g
- Dimensions: 156 x 234mm
- Publication Date: 28 Jan 2026
- Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Hardback
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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.
David C. Chao (PhD) is a scholar of modern Christian dogmatics, with expertise in Karl Barth and Protestant theology. He served on the steering committee of the AAR’s Reformed Theology and History unit and co-led the first NEH-funded translation project of the Center for Barth Studies. He directs the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary, USA, where his research explores how Christian doctrine engages the lived realities of Asian and Asian American communities.
