L’eterna autodeterminazione di Dio

Note sulla dottrina dell’elezione di Karl Barth

Abstract

This essay reconstructs the Barthian doctrine of God’s eternal predestination as expounded in the second volume of Kirchliche Dogmatik dedicated to the doctrine of God. Two things, above all, should be noted. On the one hand, Barth considers it necessary to preserve the profound intention of the traditional doctrine of predestination. Indeed, it was aimed at preserving God’s personality; in particular, the fact that the Christian God is an absolutely free Person. Unlike Hegel’s absolute spirit, the Christian God chooses freely. On the other hand, however, God’s choice, for Barth, should not be seen as an act performed by a hidden and mysterious God. Instead, for Scripture, God’s choice has the name of Jesus Christ. It is therefore Christ who is the subject and object of God's eternal election and rejection.

English title: The Eternal Self-determination of God. Notes on Karls Barth’s Doctrine of Election.