Missio Hominum Echoing Concursus Divinus Parallel to Missio Dei

Missio Hominum Echoing Concursus Divinus Parallel to Missio Dei

Jonas Sello Thinane

Issue: Vol. 11 No. 12 2025 Issue Article 6 pp.657 – 668
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.202511126 | Published online 29th December, 2025.
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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ABSTRACT

The notion of divine concurrence (concursus divinus) has been extensively examined within the broader context of divine providence, particularly concerning human freedom. This doctrine asserts that God actively collaborates with individuals while simultaneously preserving their ability to exercise free will. In essence, divine action occurs concurrently with human action, without undermining divine authority or restricting human autonomy. Consequently, the missio hominum operates in tandem with and enriches the missio Dei, creating a dynamic and reciprocal relationship. The missio hominum not only emphasizes humanity’s purpose but also demonstrates how God’s grace impacts redemptive endeavors (missio Dei) in a manner that honors human free will. Within the framework of missio hominum, human free will is oriented toward attaining salvation alongside missio Dei, rather than portraying a solitary missionary deity. This paper utilizes literary sources to analyze the doctrine of divine concurrence, with the objective of clarifying missio hominum as inspired by missio Dei. In this investigation, both “Free Willed – Missio Hominum” and “Free Graced – Missio Dei” are presented to illustrate the collaborative interplay between divine and human efforts on the path to human salvation.

Keywords: Missio Dei, Concursus Divinus, Missio Hominum, Human Free Will, Human Salvation

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AUTHOR(S)

Dr. Jonas Sello Thinane, is an esteemed National Research Foundation (NRF) Y-rated scholar, valid from 2025 to 2030. He currently serves as a Research Fellow at the University of Pretoria (UP’s) Faculty of Theology and Religion, within the department of Practical Theology and Mission Studies. After completing his junior qualifications encompassing Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) and Master of Theology (M.Th) with specialisation in Religious Studies, both from the University of the Free State (UFS), He then proceeded to complete his Ph.D. at the University of South Africa in 2022. His research centres on mission theology, where he has developed groundbreaking concepts such as Missio Politica, Missio Hominum, and Missio Maritatus. Since the start of his academic career in 2022, Dr. Thinane has made substantial contributions to this field with 45 peer-reviewed articles published in esteemed journals. He also co-edited “Commercialisation of Religion in South Africa: A Pentecostal Approach.” In addition to evaluating various thesis works on missiology from both South African and international universities, he continues to actively share his insights at academic conferences around the world, fostering advancements in contemporary missiology.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Thinane, Jonas Sello.“Missio Hominum Echoing Concursus Divinus Parallel to Missio Dei.” E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies 11, no.12 (2025): 657 – 668.https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.202511126.