Brent A. Wood

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to describe and respond to some of the major themes in the dialectical writings of Jurgen Moltmann.

The first chapter of the thesis examines Moltmann's theological and philosophical heritage. Two key individuals are discussed, Jacob Boehme and Friedrich Schelling. These men are significant for their contribution to Moltmann's basic view of reality and life. Described briefly, all of life is caught up in struggle. At the very foundation of all that is, including God, are two opposing forces, namely being and nonbeing.

It is the contention of this thesis that this orientation has greatly influenced Moltmann's dialectical and trinitarian perspective. The key to understanding any aspect of his theological system hinges first on comprehending this dialectical and trinitarian world view.

Chapters two through six briefly summarize Moltmann's contribution in the areas of Trinity, cross, resurrection, soteriology, and eschatology. Chapter seven deals with the ongoing dialogue between Moltmann and the Latin American liberation theologians. Chapter eight responds to the foregoing theological topics.

The response and critique does not deal with the internal coherency and consistency of Moltmann's theological system. Rather, it challenges the basic presuppositions of the dialectical world view which shapes all of his writings. This thesis suggests that Moltmann's dialectical perspective lacks an adequate discussion of freedom. Furthermore, a world view which requires evil in order for good to be manifest guarantees an eternity of struggle with no ultimate resolution between the opposing forces. Considered in an existential context this contributes more to a theology of hopelessness, rather than a theology of hope.

LLU Discipline

Religion

Department

Religion

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Dalton D. Baldwin

Second Advisor

David R. Larson

Third Advisor

James W. Walters

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Level

M.A.

Year Degree Awarded

1986

Date (Title Page)

9-1986

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Moltmann; Jürgen; Dialectical theology

Type

Thesis

Page Count

iv; 124

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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