Abstract
The question facing contemporary theology is not, as has often been thought,
a question of whether it can speak of God’s being but, rather, how best to do
so. What is needed in the Christian doctrine of God is a way to express the
integrity of God’s metaphysical and moral attributes, and between God’s
being in se and pro nobis—a “morally perfect being theology” is needed. In
this thesis I argue that humility, when rightly defined, provides a compelling
and coherent way forward. To make this case, I analyse and evaluate the ways
humility is applied to God by three theologians: St. Augustine, Karl Barth,
and Katherine Sonderegger. In critical dialogue with these innovative
thinkers, I sketch a doctrine of divine humility within the wider constellation
of Christological and Trinitarian concerns in the doctrine of God, one that
will contribute to important ongoing debates in Christian theology.
a question of whether it can speak of God’s being but, rather, how best to do
so. What is needed in the Christian doctrine of God is a way to express the
integrity of God’s metaphysical and moral attributes, and between God’s
being in se and pro nobis—a “morally perfect being theology” is needed. In
this thesis I argue that humility, when rightly defined, provides a compelling
and coherent way forward. To make this case, I analyse and evaluate the ways
humility is applied to God by three theologians: St. Augustine, Karl Barth,
and Katherine Sonderegger. In critical dialogue with these innovative
thinkers, I sketch a doctrine of divine humility within the wider constellation
of Christological and Trinitarian concerns in the doctrine of God, one that
will contribute to important ongoing debates in Christian theology.
| Original language | English |
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| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisors/Advisors |
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| Award date | 01 Aug 2017 |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |