Freedom, Necessity, and the Knowledge of God: In Conversation with Karl Barth and Thomas F. Torrance

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Paul D. Molnar discusses issues related to the concepts of freedom and necessity in trinitarian doctrine. He considers the implications of non-conceptual knowledge of God by comparing the approaches of Karl Rahner and T. F. Torrance. He also reconsiders T. F. Torrances new natural theology and illustrates why Christology must be central when discussing liberation theology. Further, he explores Catholic and Protestant relations by comparing the views of Elizabeth Johnson, Walter Kasper and Karl Barth, as well as relations among Christians, Jews and Muslims by considering whether it is appropriate to claim that all three religions should be understood to be united under the concept of monotheism. Finally, he probes the controversial issues of how to name God in a way that underscores the full equality of women and men and how to understand universalism by placing Torrance and David Bentley Hart into conversation on that subject.

Reviews

This volume confirms Paul Molnar as one of the most substantive theologians working in the field today. His research is meticulous, his writing is clear, and his judgments are powerful and sure. It is a pleasure to encounter such high caliber thinking in the service of theology and church. -- George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary, USA
All in all, these chapters offer a systematically Christological account of the freedom and love of God, of natural theologies, of liberation, of gender, of universalism and of Abrahamic faith. Their rigour, clarity, intense but constructive argumentation are all characteristic of Paul Molnars profound theological vision. -- Iain R Torrance, Princeton Theological Seminary, USA
As one of todays consummate theologians, Molnar treats us to another installment of Barthian-Torrancean inspired dogmatics but this time in the mode of practical theology. Alongside the familiar themes we have come to expect, we see him bringing his wisdom and theological acuity to a series of contemporary issues which range across Liberation Theology, universalism, inclusivism, gendered language for God, and more. This is an insightful and practical theology for today that will equip, challenge, and resource many. -- Myk Habets, Laidlaw College, New Zealand
Paul Molnar is universally recognized as a leading interpreter of Barth and Torrance. The book is a gem taking up neglected themes and bringing them into the light. It is another extraordinary work from Molnars fertile mind that deserves the attention of everyone interested in the theology of Thomas Torrance. -- Elmer M. Colyer, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, USA
The nature of divine freedom and love and of creaturely knowledge of God as gracious are matters of fundamental importance in Christian theology. Molnar offers characteristically powerful engagements with a range of vital doctrinal and practical issues in modern discussions a richly constructive and stimulating contribution to the field. -- Ivor J. Davidson, University of Aberdeen, UK

Author Bio

Paul D. Molnar is Professor of Systematic Theology at St. John's University, NY, USA.