LE3 .A278 1997

1997

Williams, Roy

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Theology

Acadia Divinity College

The goal of this thesis is to examine and evaluate the completeness of the concept of 'person' used in Robert Jenson's trinitarian theology. After a brief introduction to the literature in chapter one, chapter two will present the various definitions of 'person' which have been of importance in talking about. Since Jenson is self-consciously a Barthian theologian, Barth's treatment of God's personhood will also be analysed. The link between Barth and Jenson will become apparent in chapter three where Jenson's theory of God as a 'person' will be presented. The delineation of Jenson's trinitarian thought in this chapter will cover his writings between 1975, when his first major article on the Trinity was published, and 1989. It is in these years that Jenson has been most prolific in writing about the Trinity. Chapter four will deal with criticisms of Jenson's trinitarian doctrine. The natural theology involved in his concept of God's temporality severely undermines his own principles. The influence of idealism on Jenson's concept of 'Spirit' distorts his biblical exegesis. Also problematic is Jenson's method for using historical data to support his own conclusions. It is concluded that Jenson has not succeeded in providing an adequate definition of person for theology because he does not take account of personalist understandings of 'person', and ultimately ends up as a modalist. Chapter five will summarise and provide a conclusion to the findings of the thesis, and offer some suggestions for future theological reflection, in light of the strengths and weaknesses uncovered in the preceding critical analysis.

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