A Brief Systematic Theology of the Symbol (T&T Clark Studies in Systematic Theology)

by Joshua Mobley

Publisher:

T&T Clark

, 2022

Overview

How do Christians understand the Trinity? How does this understanding relate to other Christian teachings? In conversation with key thinkers in contemporary and classical theology, particularly Henri de Lubac, Karl Rahner, Thomas Aquinas and Augustine, this book argues that a theology of symbols can help us glimpse the mystery of the Trinity and see how this central Christian teaching corresponds to Christian understandings of creation, humanity and the church.

A symbol is not here understood as an arbitrary sign, but as a sign that mediates the presence of the symbolized. Joshua Mobley examines the understanding of the Father as “symbolized” in the Son who is the “symbol” of the Father by the “symbolism” of the Spirit, the personal agent of unity between Father and Son. These trinitarian relations then structure creaturely relations to God: God is symbolized in creation, which is a symbol of God by participation in the Son, and the church is symbolism, the union of creation with God by the power of the Spirit. Mobley thus argues that a theology of symbol helps coordinate trinitarian theology with key themes in Christian dogmatics.

Key Features

• Answers questions about the Trinity through a theology of symbols
• Includes perspectives on the Trinity from key thinkers in contemporary and classical theology
• Argues that a theology of symbol aids to see the relation between trinitarian theology and key themes in Christian dogmatics

Contents

The Trinity

• Introduction
• Augustine, Signs, and the Trinity
• Karl Rahner's Symbolized and Symbol
• De Lubac's Sacramental Pneumatology
• Conclusion: Symbolized-Symbol-Symbolism

Creation

• Introduction
• Two Trinitarian Models
• Aquinas on Creation
• Duns Scotus
• Conclusion

Humanity

• Introduction
• Nature and Grace
• Anthropology and Fourfold Exegesis
• Mary the Exegete

The Church

• Introduction
• Symbolism and Ecclesiology
• A Few Critiques
• Conclusion

Toward Mystical Reason

• Introduction
• From Mysteries to Mystery
• From Mystery to Mysticism
• From Mysticism to Mystical Reason

Product Details

• Title: A Brief Systematic Theology of the Symbol
• Author: Joshua Mobley
• Series: T&T Clark Studies in Systematic Theology
• Volume: 39
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2025
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Christian art and symbolism; Trinity › History of doctrines
• ISBNs: 9780567702500, 0567702502
• Resource ID: LLS:BRFSYSTHSYMBL
• Resource Type: text.monograph.ancient-manuscript.translation
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-06-06T15:10:15Z