God as Person

Karl Barth and Karl Rahner on Divine and Human Personhood

Authors

  • Mark S M Scott Harvard University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/rsth.2006.25.2.161

Keywords:

Karl Barth, Karl Rahner, divine personhood

Abstract

This article explores the concept of divine personhood in modern theology, particularly in the theology of Karl Barth (1886-1968) and Karl Rahner (1904-1984). It systematically explicates what it means to call God a ‘Person’. After contextualizing the contemporary debate on divine personhood by reference to the work of John Zizioulas, it interfaces Karl Barth and Karl Rahner’s conception of divine subjectivity and its anthropological implications. It argues that the dynamics of divine personhood entails relationality, both internal (the Trinity) and external (creation). Moreover, it argues that divine subjectivity provides the model for human subjectivity.

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Published

2006-02-14

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Scott, M. S. M. (2006). God as Person: Karl Barth and Karl Rahner on Divine and Human Personhood. Religious Studies and Theology, 25(2), 161-190. https://doi.org/10.1558/rsth.2006.25.2.161