In recent Barth studies it has been argued that a key to understanding the theologianâs opposition to natural theology is his rejection of substantialist ontology. While this is true to an extent this book argues that it is a mistake to see Barthâs âactualistic ontologyâ as diametrically opposed to traditional substantialism. Probing into Barthâs soteriological hamartiology in Church Dogmatics III-IV a largely neglected aspect of these volumes in recent debates on his understanding of being and act it shows how his descriptions of sin nature and grace shed light on the precise manners in which his actualistic ontology operates on both a substance grammar of being and a process grammar of becoming while rejecting the metaphysics underlying both grammars. Looking at issues such as original sin universal salvation and human will Barth is shown to be radically redefining the relationship between humans their actions and the divine. This book argues that human ânatureâ is the total determination of the human being âfrom aboveâ by Godâs grace in Christ while the existential dimension of the human being is also totally determined âfrom belowâ by the Adamic history of sin. This serves to demonstrate Barthâs endeavours in eliminating the vestiges of natural theology within the Western tradition handed down from Augustine. By exploring these issues this book offers a fresh insight into Barthâs relationship with his theological forbears. As such it will be vital reading for any scholar of Barth studies the problem of evil and theological ontology. . Language: English