Hi Folks,
Here is the first session of our dive into Karl Barth’s Church Dogmatics II.2, the Election of Jesus Christ.
If you’d like to read along with us, a few pages at a time, here is the text:
And here is the link to join us live on Mondays at 7:00 PM EST.
Show Notes
Summary
The conversation explores Karl Barth's doctrine of election and grace within the doctrine of God. The participants discuss the significance of the prologue to John's Gospel and how it relates to the doctrine of election. They highlight Barth's Christological orientation and his emphasis on the triune identity of God. The conversation also addresses the problems that arise when our first assumption about God is not triune and how Barth's understanding of election and grace challenges traditional views. The participants emphasize that election and grace are personal and relational, not abstract concepts. In this conversation, the participants discuss the concept of God's election and its implications for understanding God's character and human identity. They explore how the doctrine of election challenges the idea of a transactional God and emphasizes the relational nature of God's love. The conversation also touches on the importance of Jesus as the embodiment of humanity and the need to redefine freedom in light of Christ's obedience to the Father's will. Overall, the participants highlight the significance of understanding God's election as an unconditional act of love that invites humanity into a shared life with God.
Takeaways
Karl Barth's doctrine of election and grace is centered on the triune identity of God and the person of Jesus Christ.
The prologue to John's Gospel is significant in understanding the doctrine of election and the relationship between God and humanity.
Barth challenges traditional views of election by emphasizing the personal and relational nature of God's grace.
Election and grace are not abstract concepts, but a declaration of God's love and invitation to participate in his life.
Understanding election and grace leads to a deeper appreciation of the gospel and the inclusive nature of the church. God's election challenges the idea of a transactional God and emphasizes the relational nature of God's love.
Understanding Jesus as the embodiment of humanity helps redefine our conception of human identity.
Freedom, in the Christian sense, is not about autonomy and self-fulfillment, but about embodying God's will.
God's election is an unconditional act of love that invites humanity into a shared life with God.
Sound Bites
"The doctrine of election, that doesn't sound scary. But the doctrine of predestination, all of a sudden people's sphincters get tight."
"Barth will not allow any God talk to happen that is speculative and abstracted apart from how God has acted in history."
"God and Jesus are very tight."
"There's a whole lot of God talk that exists in Christian culture that the God that is spoken of does not resemble Jesus Christ or the one he calls father."
"Barth is a good corrective for those of us who like to hear ourselves talk. And we Baptists love to hear ourselves talk."
"We lose the first person address of God in Christ saying to us, 'Look what has been done. Look what I have done.'"
It All Starts with Grace