Creation and Transcendence: Theological Essays on the Divine Sublime

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This is a creative scholarly argument revisiting the substance, understanding, and implications of the doctrine of creation ex nihilo for contemporary theology and philosophy. Paul J. DeHart examines the special mode of divine transcendence (God's infinity) and investigates areas where accepting an infinite God presents challenging questions to Christian theology. He discusses what "saving knowledge" or "faith" would have to look like when confronted by such an unlimited conception of deity, and ponders how the doctrine of God's trinity can be brought into harmony with radical notions of transcendence, as well as ways the doctrine of creation itself is threatened when the radical otherness of the creators mind is not maintained. DeHart engages with a diverse range of figures: Jean-Luc Marion, Schleiermacher, Kierkegaard, Kathryn Tanner, John Milbank and Rowan Williams, to illustrate his conviction. This volume deals with deep conceptual issues, indicating that creation ex nihilo remains a lively topic in contemporary theology.

Reviews

The author offers a scintillating resume of contemporary theology from the arresting viewpoint of free creation, showing how some thinkers have failed to take that obvious starting point, as well as those who have illuminated us thereby. DeHart turns a profound study into an exciting read. -- David B. Burrell, C.S.C., University of Notre Dame, USA
The order of the world to God is a basic theme of Christian vocation and so of theology. Getting it wrong distorts our self-understanding and service. Drawing superb and sometimes startling lessons from Aquinas, Kierkegaard, and others, Paul DeHart gets it right. This book is smart, learned, and wise. -- Jeremy D. Wilkins, Boston College, USA

Author Bio

Paul J. DeHart is Professor of Theology at Vanderbilt University, USA.