Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth: An Unofficial Catholic-Protestant Dialogue

by Bruce L. McCormack (Editor), Thomas Joseph White O.P. (Editor)

Overview

Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth are often taken to be two of the greatest theologians in the Christian tradition. This book undertakes a systematic comparison of them through the lens of five key topics: (1) the being of God, (2) Trinity, (3) Christology, (4) grace and justification, and (5) covenant and law. Under each of these headings, a Catholic portrait of Aquinas is presented in comparison with a Protestant portrait of Barth, with the theological places of convergence and contrast highlighted.

This volume combines a deep commitment to systematic theology with an equally profound commitment to mutual engagement. Understood rightly and well, Aquinas and Barth contribute powerfully to the future of theology and to an ecumenism that takes doctrinal confession seriously while at the same time seeking unity among Christians.

Contributors:
John R. Bowlin
Holly Taylor Coolman
Robert W. Jenson
Keith L. Johnson
Guy Mansini, O.S.B.
Amy Marga
Bruce L. McCormack
Richard Schenk, O.P.
Joseph P. Wawrykow
Thomas Joseph White, O.P.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802869760
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	07/20/2013
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Bruce L. McCormack is Charles Hodge Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary.


Thomas Joseph White, OP, is director of the Thomistic Institute at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Introduction: Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth - An Unofficial Catholic-Protestant Dialogue Thomas Joseph White, O.P. 1

I The Being of God

Karl Barth on the Being of God Robert W. Jenson 43

Theology, Metaphysics, and Discipleship Richard Schenk, O.P. 52

II Trinity

Can Humility and Obedience Be Trinitarian Realities? Guy Mansini, O.S.B. 71

Processions and Missions: A Point of Convergence between Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth Bruce L. McCormack 99

III Christology

Natural Revelation in Creation and Covenant Keith L. Johnson 129

The Crucified Lord: Thomistic Reflections on the Communication of Idioms and the Theology of the Cross Thomas Joseph White, O.P. 157

IV Grace and Justification

Aquinas and Barth on Grace Joseph P. Wawrykow 193

Reconciliation in Karl Barth and the New Life of the Justified Sinner in Christ Amy E. Marga 212

V Election, Providence, and. Natural Law

Barth and Aquinas on Election, Relationship, and Requirement John R. Bowlin 237

Divine Action and Human Action in St. Thomas Aquinas: An Analogia Legis Holly Taylor Coolman 262

Epilogue: Musings on the Role Played by Philosophy in Ecumenical Dialogue Bruce L. McCormack 280

Bibliography 284

Contributors 298

Index of Names 301

Index of Subjects 303

Editorial Reviews

John Webster
— University of St. Andrews
"Common theological reflection on God and the gospel, hindered by compromise and intransigence alike, is best promoted by the virtues of learning, generosity, attentiveness and charity, all of which are manifest in the distinguished essays collected in this book. They form a rare example of the demanding and much-needed art of theological diplomacy."

Matthew Levering
— University of Dayton
"It must be acknowledged that White's brilliant introduction is alone worth the cost of the volume. Add to this an array of richly developed essays by leading Protestant and Catholic scholars, treating the central domains of theology, and one has a book that will stand as a touchstone of ecumenical dialogue for years to come."

Hans Boersma
— Regent College
"Remarkable points of convergence combine with strong disagreements throughout the dialogue of this volume. Invariably, however, the reader will find illuminating precision in the delineation of theological issues in these erudite essays. By rigorously examining and comparing Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth — the two preeminent representatives of Catholic and Reformed thought — this book makes a profound contribution to genuine ecumenical dialogue."

Paul J. Griffiths
— Duke Divinity School
"This is a delightful and stimulating book, full of careful exegesis of two of the most profound theologians ever to have written. Barth and Aquinas are often caricatured or expounded in such a way as to blunt their thought. Not here. Here their thought is at work in its fullness, and in genuine and lively debate. The result is a surprising degree of rapprochement, but also the sharpening and deepening of some old disagreements. Above all, what's here is good theological thinking done with passion. There's no higher praise."

Catholic Library World
"This festschrift dedicated to the theological thought of Barth and Aquinas is very highly recommended for advanced students of either theologians. . . . It is extremely well-organized and well-written."

Theology
"A stimulating, challenging read that offers a contoured and measured contribution to one of the most compelling theological discourses of current times. . . . Highly recommended."

Ecumenism 
“This book undertakes a systematic comparison of two of the greatest theologians in the Christian tradition. . . . Understood rightly, Aquinas and Barth contribute powerfully to the future of theology and to an ecumenism that takes doctrinal confession seriously while at the same time seeking unity among Christians.”
 

From the Publisher