Participation in Christ: An Entry into Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics

by Adam Neder

Here Adam Neder offers an exploration of the concept of "participation in Christ" in Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics and what it means for understanding Christian faith. He clarifies Barth's claim that humanity as a whole, and human beings individually, participate in Jesus Christ--revelation, election, creation, reconciliation, and redemption all take place in Christ; and their meaning may only be comprehended in Christ. In these acts of inclusion and realization, the creature is incorporated into a fellowship that is nothing less than participation in the being of God. The Columbia Series in Reformed Theology represents a joint commitment by Columbia Theological Seminary and Westminster John Knox Press to provide theological resources from the Reformed tradition for the church today. This series examines theological and ethical issues that confront church and society in our own particular time and place.

Genres: Theology

152 pages, Hardcover

First published June 29, 2009

Reviews

[Marc Sims · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've only studied a little bit of Barth, and find most of his writings difficult to interpret, but this book proved to be a helpful guide and introduction. While I don't share the author's admiration of Barth, it was a clear and concise explainer of some of the major themes and thrusts of Barth's theological project.

[Adam Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written and very academic in nature. The author carefully details his methodology of his study of this topic according to different parts of Barth's Church Dogmatics. Neder successfully conveys many points with technical mastery and precise terminology.

While I still don't understand the proper depths of the book, it was an amazing primer into the innovative theology that Barth presents. He shows how Barth shifts the focus of theological doctrines to the "dynamic center in the living history of Jesus Christ himself as attested by Holy Scripture."

Doctrines such as election, anthropology, theosis, justification, sanctification, faith, and grace are reconstructed with a revitalized focus on Jesus Christ.

Truly, it comes full circle. From Sunday school till now, the answer is always Jesus!

Overall, very thought-provoking and academic read!

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for a paper I am writing on union with Christ. The author happens to be the professor of my class. It was his dissertation at Princeton. I've never read anything by Karl Barth, mostly because of the encouragement of people in my undergraduate who wouldn't discourage reading Barth, but would say "yeah, he's got some weird stuff. Have you read Augustine yet?" Since I was such a new Christian, I had tons of ground to make up, and went with the tide.

When I asked my professor "why Barth?" He told me it was because Barth always brings everything back to Jesus. That much is clear within the book. I definitely did come across things that I would consider "weird" but they are mostly weird because I have never encountered them before, at least in the language used in the book. Most of the "weird" things were not fleshed out in their entirety in this work because those things were election, human nature, wrath, etc. The book is on union with Christ in Church Dogmatics and the goal of the book I think was met emphatically. The things I have questions on weren't designed to be answered in this book. But I am definitely excited to ask my professor questions. If you are new to Barth, this is a great introduction seeing how Church Dogmatics is 9,000 pages and this book is 130.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished 18 July 2014. 4/5 stars. Adam Neder's book was excellent - if only other's would write so clearly in the academic world!