John Webster: The Shape and Development of His Theology

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Jordan Senner captures the systematic shape, logic, and development of his thought from the vantage point of the God-creature relation. Websters development is depicted in terms of three phases Christocentric, Trinitarian, and Theocentric culminating in a conceptual analysis of three key aspects of his mature theology: his doctrine of divine perfection, theory of mixed relations, and concept of dual causality. Senner illustrates this heuristic framework for interpreting Websters theology through an exploration of different aspects of his account of the God-creature relation: Christology (hypostatic relation), ecclesiology (redemptive relation), bibliology (communicative relation), and theological theology (rational relation). This volume not only provides a dynamic introduction to Websters theology as a whole, but it also includes fascinating forays into the complexities of Websters engagement with Barth and Aquinas, raising interesting questions for constructive theological dialogue that is neither straightforwardly Protestant nor Catholic.

Reviews

Jordan Senners clearly structured and elegantly written study on the development of John Websters theology carefully reconstructs the shaping of a dogmatic theology. From the interpreter of Eberhard Jngel and the student of Karl Barth to John Websters mature dogmatic outlook, inspired by Aquinas and increasingly shaped by engagement with Reformed scholasticism, Senner portrays a theological theology that is kept in motion by theologys subject-matter. Continuities and discontinuities are elucidated from the fundamental questions with which this theology engages. As John Webster frequently emphasised, our theology is a theology of pilgrims still on the way to full knowledge of God in the beatific vision. It is therefore always provisional and fragmentary and may not be identified with a theological school. Jordan Senners study captures the dynamics of John Websters theology with precision and theological empathy. It encourages readers to follow John Websters theological itinerary and continue their own ways of theologising in constructive conversation with a theologian for whom being dogmatic was always a compliment. -- Christoph Schwbel, University of St Andrews, UK
Jordan Senner offers a clear, compelling and nuanced study of the development of John Websters dogmatic theology. It is fitting that the first book-length treatment of Websters thought is such a faithful testimony to his legacy: a lucid, perceptive, generous and critically discerning account of the work of a theologians theologian. The book is expertly crafted, exhibiting deep familiarity with Websters work and sound knowledge of its wider theological context. Senner demonstrates why Websters theology, blending Reformed instincts and Thomist inflections, will have a deep and lasting legacy. -- Simon Oliver, Durham University, UK
This is a landmark study of John Webster. As the first book-length treatment of Websters theology, Jordan Senner presents an in-depth analysis of how Webster matured in his understanding of the God-creature relationship. Meticulously tracing Websters understanding of Christ, church, Scripture, and theology, Senner convincingly argues that Websters journey from Barth to Aquinas is the result of his increasing recognition that the economy is suspended from theology. Senner sets the benchmark for any future engagement with Websters theology. -- Hans Boersma, Regent College, Canada
It has become apparent that John Webster such a disarmingly humble man was the greatest Protestant theologian of our times. The way he brought together Barth and Aquinas into his own extraordinary synthesis has set him apart. Here we have the best study yet of Webster's work, showing how his attention to the doctrines of divine perfection and creation stand at the heart of his mature theocentric and Trinitarian thought. It is imperative that Protestant and Catholic theologians today, in the crossfire of academic trends, listen to Webster's 'theological theology' -- and Jordan Senner has given us a definitive guide for doing so. -- Matthew Levering, Mundelein Seminary, USA
Webster wrote very carefully, with the result that he is easy to quote but hard to paraphrase. In this excellent account of his theology, Jordan Senner has done the hard work of clarifying Webster's crucial moves and key claims by way of alternative terms and different categories. Senner's outlook is comprehensive and his judgments are keen. The result is an uncommonly helpful presentation of Webster's thought, ideal for students and stimulating for contemporary theology. -- Fred Sanders, Biola University, USA

Author Bio

Jordan Senner is the Rector of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Costa Mesa, USA. He received a PhD in Theology from the University of St Andrews, UK.