Dei Fide: a relational theology of the faith of God

摘要

Relational theology became a major voice in the theological conversations ofthe twentieth century and now in the twenty-first century it is poised to become themajor influence in doctrine of God discussions. Relational theology argues for amodel of God that emphasizes a dynamic interaction between God and the cosmos.Reformulating the divine nature contra Classical theism, Relational theology insteadincludes 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 thedivine are necessary rightly to understand and discuss God's relationality with theworld. This thesis argues that given the relational nature of God the metaphor of faithshould be added to the list of God's attributes.The thesis begins by discussing issues of methodology then reviewingRelational theology in the forms of process and open theism as contrasted withClassical theism. This is followed by explorations of various depictions of faith asfound in the Old Testament and New Testament. Faith is also examined theologicallyand philosophically as including the elements of belief, trust, hope, and risk. It is thenargued that faith has a decidedly relational nature in that faith most properly takesplace 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 ismade that God relates to the world through faith. A case for God's faith is developedexegetically and logically through explorations of the concepts of divine belief, trust,hope, risk, and doubt, concluding that faith is a necessary inclusion for Relationaltheology.Finally, two primary Church doctrines, creation and christology, are exploredthrough a theology of divine faith. God demonstrates divine faith in bestowing anevolving creation with both freedom and a purpose. God has faith in the creation toproduce 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 personof the triune God. The coming and death of Christ also reveals God's faith that thecross will be efficacious in reconciling those who have abused their God-givenfreedoms.