Relational theology became a major voice in the theological conversations of
the twentieth century and now in the twenty-first century it is poised to become the
major influence in doctrine of God discussions. Relational theology argues for a
model of God that emphasizes a dynamic interaction between God and the cosmos.
Reformulating the divine nature contra Classical theism, Relational theology instead
includes images of God as sympathetic, mutable, limited in power and knowledge,
creative, and as a risk-taker. The assertion is that such images or metaphors for the
divine are necessary rightly to understand and discuss God's relationality with the
world. This thesis argues that given the relational nature of God the metaphor of faith
should be added to the list of God's attributes.
The thesis begins by discussing issues of methodology then reviewing
Relational theology in the forms of process and open theism as contrasted with
Classical theism. This is followed by explorations of various depictions of faith as
found in the Old Testament and New Testament. Faith is also examined theologically
and philosophically as including the elements of belief, trust, hope, and risk. It is then
argued that faith has a decidedly relational nature in that faith most properly takes
place between persons.
The crux of the thesis is the development of a theology of divine faith.
Because humans are free, God is limited, and creation has a purpose, the argument is
made that God relates to the world through faith. A case for God's faith is developed
exegetically and logically through explorations of the concepts of divine belief, trust,
hope, risk, and doubt, concluding that faith is a necessary inclusion for Relational
theology.
Finally, two primary Church doctrines, creation and christology, are explored
through a theology of divine faith. God demonstrates divine faith in bestowing an
evolving creation with both freedom and a purpose. God has faith in the creation to
produce persons who can freely share faith and love with God. The fully kenotic coming of Jesus Christ demonstrates the Father's faith in the Son, the second person
of the triune God. The coming and death of Christ also reveals God's faith that the
cross will be efficacious in reconciling those who have abused their God-given
freedoms. / Sysytematic Theology & Theological Ethics / D. Th. (Systematic Theology)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:umkn-dsp01.int.unisa.ac.za:10500/2550 |
| Date | 30 November 2007 |
| Creators | Holtzen, William Curtis |
| Contributors | Van Niekerk, Rassie |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (x, 325 leaves) |
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