Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth: A New Conversation [Paperback]

This book argues for substantial and pervasive convergence between Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth with regards to Gods relation to history and to the Christocentric orientation of that history. In short, it contends that Thomas can affirm what Barth calls the humanity of God. The argument has great ecumenical potential, finding fundamental agreement between two of the most important figures in the Reformed and Roman Catholic traditions. It also contributes to contemporary theology by demonstrating the fruitfulness of exchanging metaphysical vocabularies for normative. Specifically, it shows how an account of Gods mercy and justice can resolve theological debates most assume require metaphysical speculation.

Acknowledgements; Texts and Abbreviations; Introduction: Changing the Conversation between Thomas and Barth; 1 Justice and Mercy, Human and Divine; 2 The Humanity of God and the God-World Relation; 3 Gods Lordship over Creation; 4 The Old Laws Preparation for Christ; 5 Gods Mercy and Justice in New Law and Salvation; Conclusion: A Continuing Conversation

This book argues for substantial and pervasive convergence between Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth with regards to Gods relation to history and to the Christocentric orientation of that history.

Immensely creative and constructive, this book charts an exciting new path for the Barth-Aquinas dialogue that has become so ecumenically significant. Skaff suggests that instead of beginning with metaphysical differences, we might look first at how Barth and Aquinas speak about the Triune God's actual exercise of his Lordship in justice and mercy. From this perspective, Skaff engages such topics as election, eternal law, natural law, divine concursus, nature and grace, creation and covenant, the Old and New Laws, atonement, and justification. The rl#’