Divine Election

This dogmatic study addresses two perennial questions. First, how do we reconcile God's sovereignty with human freedom, not just in general, but particularly with respect to the Church's full understanding of God's plan of salvation as a work of grace? Second (and equally crucial) is the question of how we reconcile God's universal salvific will with the mystery of predestination, election, and reprobation. The author of this study does theology within the normative tradition of confessional Catholicism, and thus in the light of Catholic teaching. But this study is also an ecumenical work, indeed, a work in receptive ecumenism, and hence he listens attentively to the reflections and arguments not only of his fellow Catholic theologians (Matthias Joseph Scheeben and Hans Urs von Balthasar) but also theologians of the Evangelical and Reformed traditions (John Calvin, Herman Bavinck, Karl Barth, and G. C. Berkouwer). This book concludes with a Catholic synthesis regarding the doctrine of divine election in dogmatic and ecumenical perspective. ""A careful analysis, a fresh approach, and an honest attempt for mutual understanding are the basic characteristics of Echeverria´s new book. The biblical notion of divine election is here described through the works of major catholic and reformed theologians in a highly accessible style. This book is a very welcome contribution to that ecumenicity that takes Bible, theology, and tradition serious, and that on the deep and rich topic of God's electing grace."" --Herman Selderhuis, Theological University Apeldoorn; Director, Refo500 ""Professor Echeverria has an extraordinary command of both the Reformed and Catholic traditions. He puts that command to excellent use in this learned analysis of a critical theological question today--How are Christians to understand the mystery of divine election?"" --Gerald R. McDermott, Beeson Divinity School ""An exciting scholarly contribution to our understanding of God's election as well as to furthering contemporary theological ecumenism."" --Thomas G. Weinandy, Member of the International Theological Commission ""Eduardo Echeverria's Divine Election laudably returns the doctrine of election to the center of ecumenical dialogue. The author engages an array of impeccably Catholic sources--from Scheeben to Balthasar--and sets them alongside an assembly of solidly Reformed ones--from Calvin to Barth and Berkouwer. Catholic 'synergism,' he argues, is neither Pelagian nor semi-Pelagian. Instead, it is rooted in the 'Augustinian principle' that sin has wounded but not destroyed human nature. An important work!"" --Mickey L. Mattox, Professor of Theology, Marquette University, where he directs the Luther Studies in a Catholic Context program; Author of Changing Churches: An Orthodox, Catholic, and Lutheran Theological Conversation (Eerdmans, 2012) ""In this discerning study, building on Calvin, Scheeben, Barth, Bavinck, Berkouwer, and Balthasar, Echeverria develops a Catholic doctrine of election. By showing how God's election of humans is solidly rooted in God's love, he succeeds in articulating election without implying arbitrariness. He does so in a way that is both erudite and accessible, both Catholic and ecumenical. This book adds a whole new dimension to our belief that God acts 'for us and our salvation.'"" --Marcel Sarot, Dean and Professor of Fundamental Theology, Tilburg School of Catholic Theology, Tilburg University  ""This study can be called Catholic in the broad sense of the word. Theologians from Roman-Catholic and Protestant origin get to speak about themes, related to God's election. Professor Echeverria listens attentively to his theological discussion partners and weighs their vision from a systematic theological and ecumenical perspective. The books requires an attentive reading, but those who are prepared to do so definitely receive a reward for their efforts."" --Gerard de Korte, Bishop of the Diocese of 's-H