The World in the Trinity

by Joseph A. Bracken

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 2014

Overview

Joseph A. Bracken argues that in academia today theology and science don’t generate cohesion because there is no integrated system for interpreting the Christian faith that consciously accords with the insights and discoveries of contemporary science.

In The World in the Trinity, Bracken uses systems theory as a philosophical and scientific grammar to show traditional Christian beliefs in a new light—presenting them as accessible and rationally plausible to a contemporary, scientifically-influenced society. This account opens new possibilities for rethinking the God-world relationship, the Trinity, incarnation, creation, and eschatology within the context of a broader ecological and cosmological system. In re-describing these central articles of Christian belief, Bracken is careful to retain the inherent power and meaning of these concepts. This volume freshly retrieves pivotal themes and concepts constitutive of the Christian tradition in a conscious rapprochement with current scientific understandings of nature.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Integrates Christianity and contemporary science
• Examines the relationship between God and the material world
• Provides a scholarly foundation from which to engage in dialogue

Contents

Part One

• Language and Reality
• The “Inside” and the “Outside” of Everything
• Philosophical/Scientific Models of the God-World Relationship in the Current Religion and Science Debate
• Theological Models of the God-World Relationship in the Current Religion and Science Debate
• Panentheism: Hierarchically Ordered Systems of Existence and Activity

Part Two

• “Incarnation” as Key to the Argument for Panentheism
• Divine and Human Personhood in a Systems-Oriented Approach to the Trinity
• Tradition and Traditioning: Church as both System and Institutional Entity
• Miracles and the Problem of Evil
• Resurrection and Eternal Life

Praise for the Print Edition

In chapter after chapter, Bracken effectively demonstrates the fruitfulness of these new concepts for overcoming traditional challenges to the theology of the Incarnation, the Trinity, the church, miracles, resurrection, and life after death. A cutting-edge contribution to today’s theology-science dialogue.

—Philip Clayton, Ingraham Professor of Theology, Claremont School of Theology

Bracken continues his long-term project of transforming a Whiteheadian base into a religiously powerful framework. With an interpretation of reality as hierarchically ordered and internally related dynamic systems, he develops a comprehensive worldview compatible with modern science and at the same time excellent for providing new understanding of Christian doctrines about the Incarnation, the Trinity, the Church, Providence, and eternal life. It is an impressive accomplishment.

—Michael H. Barnes, professor, University of Dayton

This book encapsulates and further develops Bracken’s life-long synthesis of Whitehead’s process philosophy and Christian systematic theology. By placing creativity in God, rather than outside of God, God appears as a verb always in touch with all of reality rather than as a self-enclosed noun. In this view, the Incarnation is not a paradox but a unique expression of the coexistence of God and material life. Bracken’s vision is not only clear; it’s eye-opening for contemporary theology and science.

—Niels Henrik Gregersen, professor, University of Copenhagen

Product Details

• Title: The World in the Trinity: Open-Ended Systems in Science and Religion
• Author: Joseph A. Bracken
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Print Publication Date: 2014
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 224
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Religion and science
• ISBNs: 9781451482058, 9781451487558, 1451482051, 145148755X
• Resource ID: LLS:WORLDTRINITY
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T21:09:30Z

About Joseph A. Bracken

Joseph A. Bracken, SJ, is professor emeritus of theology and former director of the Edward B. Brueggeman Center for Dialogue at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has specialized in linking the metaphysical thought of Alfred North Whitehead with Christian systematic theology. He is the author of numerous books and scholarly articles, including Subjectivity, Objectivity and Intersubjectivity: A New Paradigm for Religion and Science and Does God Roll Dice? Divine Providence for a World in the Making.