Divine Simplicity: Christ the Crisis of Metaphysics

Synopsis

Paul Hinlicky, A Leading Systematic Theologian Widely Respected For His Contributions In Contemporary Dogmatics, Critiques Various Ways The Concept Of Divine Simplicity Has Shaped Christian Theology And Offers A Fresh Articulation Of The Unity Of God. Divine Simplicity--which Posits That The Being Of God Is Identical To The Attributes Of God--was Carried Over From The Greek Metaphysical Tradition, And Hinlicky Suggests That The Concept Was Heedlessly Incorporated Into The Language Of Christian Trinitarian Theology During The Patristic Period. Through A Probing Analysis, He Identifies Numerous Problems That Have Resulted From Its Retention In Christian Dogmatics During The Medieval, Reformation, And Modern Periods. In Short, Hinlicky Argues That Uncritical Use Of The Concept In Christian Theology Renders The Biblical God Inexpressible And Unknowable. Following Hinlicky's Critically Acclaimed Volume Divine Complexity, This Major Contribution On The Doctrine Of God Brings Christian Dogmatics Into Contact With Ancient Philosophy, Medieval Aristotelianism, Islam, Nominalism, And Many Modern Theologians. It Also Contains A Unique Approach To The Problem Of Christian-muslim Relations. Professors, Students, And Scholars Of Systematic Theology Will Value This Work. (publisher). The Simplicity Of Consistent Perichoresis -- The Unstable Synthesis Of St. Thomas Aquinas -- Excursus: True Gnosis In Clement Of Alexandria -- Muddle, Not Mystery -- Analogy And The Communicatio Idiomatum -- Conclusion: And Christ Must Reign Until ... (1 Cor. 15:25). Paul R. Hinlicky. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.