The Defeat of Satan: Karl Barth's Three-Agent Account of Salvation

This book explores Barths theology, highlighting its radicality and its contribution to theological reflection on the Christian tradition. It presents Barths account of salvation as a "three-agent drama," involving God, humanity, and anti-God powers, and examines his cosmological portrayal of Gods saving event as a defeat of Satan and the bringing into existence of a new creation. It also explores Barths doctrines of election, the atonement, and the resurrection in light of his apocalyptic understanding of Gods eschatological deed of salvation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book is a groundbreaking, critical, and constructive exploration of Barth's theology, showcasing the radicality of his thought and highlighting his ongoing contribution to theological reflection on a crucial aspect of the Christian tradition. In his work, Declan Kelly delves into the promise of interpreting Barth's account of salvation as a "three-agent drama," involving God, humanity, and anti-God powers. Kelly meticulously demonstrates and examines Barth's cosmological portrayal of God's saving event as a defeat of Satan's lordship in the cosmos, accompanied by an end to God's "left-handed" activity and the establishment of a new creation under the rule of God's right hand.

As the book delves into Barth's apocalyptic understanding of God's eschatological deed of salvation, it also explores his claim that the climax of this deed is best situated in the event of God's raising of Christ from the dead. This exploration offers a fresh perspective on Barth's doctrines of election, the atonement, and the resurrection, challenging and reinforcing our understanding of these essential aspects of Christian theology.

Through his meticulous analysis and engaging writing, Kelly provides readers with a deep and nuanced understanding of Barth's theology, making it accessible to both scholars and laypersons alike. This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780567698810