When we question the reality of time we do so in favour of something richer, measuring more
fully up to experience, not something poorer. Timelessness, therefore, signifies indeed an
absence of time, but in favour of something else which will be more and not less dynamic. We
could not, for example, accept a view which represented us vibrant human beings as like
immobile statues.
One reason for our confidence in saying this is that, contrary to popular assumption, the
doctrine of God was never one of immobility, even where it was one of immutability. In
Western and Christian thought God is necessarily a Trinity, a universe of relations, that is to
say. Here the Father speaks the Word, the Word proceeds, their mutual love pours forth
(spirates) perpetually. Such uttering, equated with begetting or generation, is what the Father
is. He was not, is not, anything prior to this generating.
Therefore any event that we experience, be it our own perception of something, or any event
at all, is so to say undercut and supported by, as having at its heart, this eternal utterance or
generation of the Word in which all things are contained. The very newness of things reflects
eternal novelty and freshness, and thus time is eternal reality's image and cipher, not its
negation merely.
If therefore anyone would replace this religious view with, as in absolute idealism, a universe
of immortal spirits, ourselves, in perpetual mutual relation, then should he or she not say, as
preserving the insight of theology, that we in some way generate one another perpetually? We
do not just find ourselves passively there. How could we? But nor is the individual alone
responsible for all else. Rather, we must be as necessary to the whole community as the
community is necessary to us. It could not exist without me, or you, and nor could I without
it. We are "begotten" from one another, yet each has his own energy which is yet one with
that of the whole.
[...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- BEGOTTEN NOT MADE
- HAPPINESS AND RATIONALITY
- FAITH, PHILOSOPHY AND THE FORM OF AFFIRMATION
- FAITH AND REASON; REASON AND FAITH
- GOD IS WHATEVER MATTERS: SO WHY DOES GOD MATTER AS WELL?
- GOD, BEING, LOVE
- WHAT IS GOD? WHAT IS MAN?
- SIGNS, SACRAMENTS, INTERPRETATIONS
- YOURS IN SAINT DOMINIC
- CHESTERTON AS SUBJECT
- EVOLUTION AND SUBJECTIVITY
- REDUCTIVE IDEALISM?
- NATURE; EVOLUTION, PHILOSOPHY
- BEYOND THINKING
- SELF AND WORLD
- SPIRIT
- BEYOND COMMON-SENSE: ANTHROPOLOGY AS CHRISTOLOGY AND NOT VICE VERSA
- PERSONS AND RELATIONS: ETHICS REDEEMED
- THE SYSTEM WHICH IS PHILOSOPHY
- BEING QUA BEING
- OXYMORON
- LOGIC AND THE WORLD
- LOVE, IDEA, BEING, CATEGORIES
- ON THE QUANTITATIVE INDETERMINACY OF SELF
- BEYOND MAN
- LOVE, REASON, PERCEPTION
- MAN THE SACRAMENT OF UNITY: IS MAN A SPECIES?
- WHAT WAS AT STAKE IN MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY UNDERSTOOD IN THE LIGHT OF LATER DEVELOPMENT
- REFLECTIONS ON THE TEACHING OF PHILOSOPHY IN CLERICAL SEMINARIES
- WHATEVER HAPPENED TO MARXISM?
- ON (NOT) SHRINKING THE WORLD...
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This collection of essays aims to explore various philosophical and theological themes from a Hegelian and ecumenical perspective. The author seeks to challenge conventional understanding of time, reality, and human existence by examining concepts like begetting, perception, and the relationship between faith and reason.- The nature of time and eternity
- The relationship between individual and collective existence
- The role of perception and begetting in understanding reality
- The intersection of faith, philosophy, and reason
- The significance of identity and difference in human experience
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- BEGOTTEN NOT MADE: This chapter challenges the notion of a static and immutable God by exploring the concept of eternal begetting and the Trinity. The author argues that time and change are not negations of eternity but rather its expressions, and that our existence is characterized by an ongoing process of mutual begetting. This dynamic view of reality is contrasted with the idea of passive perception and explored in relation to the concept of the atman (the deepest self).
- HAPPINESS AND RATIONALITY: This chapter examines the relationship between happiness and rationality, arguing that true happiness lies not in passive contentment but in the active pursuit of reason and self-realization. The author explores the concept of a “flaming wheel” of time and its connection to the idea of eternal return, suggesting that our seemingly individual experiences are part of a larger, interconnected whole.
- FAITH, PHILOSOPHY AND THE FORM OF AFFIRMATION: This chapter explores the relationship between faith and philosophy, arguing that faith is not a blind leap but an affirmation based on reason and experience. The author discusses the role of symbols and sacraments in understanding and experiencing the divine, suggesting that these tools can help us move beyond the limitations of our sensory perceptions.
- FAITH AND REASON; REASON AND FAITH: This chapter delves further into the interplay of faith and reason, suggesting that these two forces are not opposed but complementary. The author examines the tension between faith and skepticism, arguing that true faith involves a willingness to question and explore, rather than blindly accepting dogma.
- GOD IS WHATEVER MATTERS: SO WHY DOES GOD MATTER AS WELL?: This chapter explores the relationship between God and the individual, arguing that God is not simply an external force but the very ground of our being. The author examines the concept of grace and ordination, suggesting that our freedom is not a purely individual choice but a gift bestowed upon us by God.
- GOD, BEING, LOVE: This chapter explores the concept of love as the fundamental principle of reality, suggesting that love is the driving force behind the creation and sustenance of all things. The author examines the relationship between love, perception, and power, arguing that these forces are interconnected and contribute to our understanding of the divine.
- WHAT IS GOD? WHAT IS MAN?: This chapter explores the nature of human beings as “sacraments of unity,” suggesting that we are both unique individuals and integral parts of a larger whole. The author examines the concept of “being qua being” and its relationship to the individual and the collective, arguing that our true essence lies in our interconnectedness with others.
- SIGNS, SACRAMENTS, INTERPRETATIONS: This chapter explores the role of symbols and sacraments in understanding and experiencing the divine. The author argues that these tools can help us bridge the gap between our finite perceptions and the infinite reality of God. The author examines the importance of symbolic interpretation in understanding religious experience, suggesting that symbols can serve as bridges between the individual and the divine.
- YOURS IN SAINT DOMINIC: This chapter explores the historical and philosophical significance of the Dominican order, highlighting the order's emphasis on reason, theology, and social justice. The author discusses the relevance of St. Dominic's teachings in the context of contemporary society, arguing that the Dominican tradition remains a valuable resource for understanding the human condition.
- CHESTERTON AS SUBJECT: This chapter examines the life and works of G.K. Chesterton, highlighting his contributions to literature, theology, and social commentary. The author discusses Chesterton's unique perspective on faith, reason, and the human condition, arguing that Chesterton's work remains relevant and insightful for contemporary readers.
- EVOLUTION AND SUBJECTIVITY: This chapter explores the relationship between biological evolution and human subjectivity, arguing that evolution is not simply a random process but a manifestation of the divine purpose. The author examines the concept of subjectivity as a dynamic process, suggesting that our sense of self is constantly evolving and shaped by our experiences.
- REDUCTIVE IDEALISM?: This chapter examines the concept of idealism, arguing that it can be misinterpreted as a reductionist philosophy that ignores the reality of the material world. The author defends a more nuanced view of idealism, suggesting that it can provide a comprehensive framework for understanding human experience.
- NATURE; EVOLUTION, PHILOSOPHY: This chapter delves deeper into the relationship between nature, evolution, and philosophy, arguing that these concepts are inextricably linked. The author examines the scientific and philosophical implications of evolutionary theory, suggesting that it provides a valuable lens through which to understand the human condition.
- BEYOND THINKING: This chapter explores the limits of human reason and the need to go beyond our rational understanding in order to grasp the full scope of reality. The author discusses the importance of intuition, imagination, and faith in complementing our rational faculties.
- SELF AND WORLD: This chapter examines the relationship between the individual and the world, arguing that we are not separate from our environment but rather integral parts of a larger, interconnected whole. The author explores the concept of “being qua being” as a framework for understanding the interconnectedness of all things.
- SPIRIT: This chapter examines the concept of spirit, arguing that it is not a disembodied entity but the animating force behind all things. The author explores the relationship between spirit and matter, suggesting that spirit is the creative and sustaining force behind the physical world.
- BEYOND COMMON-SENSE: ANTHROPOLOGY AS CHRISTOLOGY AND NOT VICE VERSA: This chapter challenges the traditional view of anthropology as a study of human beings distinct from Christology, arguing that the study of human nature should be grounded in the person of Christ. The author discusses the implications of this view for understanding the human condition and the relationship between humanity and divinity.
- PERSONS AND RELATIONS: ETHICS REDEEMED: This chapter examines the role of ethics in human relationships, arguing that ethics is not simply a set of rules but a reflection of the love that binds us together. The author explores the relationship between personal responsibility and social justice, arguing that ethical action should be grounded in a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
- THE SYSTEM WHICH IS PHILOSOPHY: This chapter explores the nature of philosophy as a system, arguing that philosophy is not simply a collection of ideas but a coherent and interconnected framework for understanding the world. The author discusses the importance of systematic thinking in philosophy, arguing that it allows us to connect disparate ideas and develop a comprehensive worldview.
- BEING QUA BEING: This chapter examines the concept of “being qua being,” arguing that it is the fundamental principle of reality. The author explores the relationship between being, nothingness, and becoming, suggesting that these concepts are interconnected and provide a framework for understanding the dynamic nature of reality.
- OXYMORON: This chapter explores the nature of paradox and contradiction, arguing that they are essential elements of human experience. The author examines the role of paradox in philosophy, theology, and literature, suggesting that it can lead to new insights and a deeper understanding of reality.
- LOGIC AND THE WORLD: This chapter examines the relationship between logic and the world, arguing that logic is not simply a formal system but a reflection of the structure of reality. The author explores the limitations of logic, suggesting that it can only capture certain aspects of reality and that other tools are necessary to fully understand the world.
- LOVE, IDEA, BEING, CATEGORIES: This chapter explores the relationship between love, ideas, being, and categories, arguing that these concepts are interconnected and provide a framework for understanding the nature of reality. The author discusses the role of categories in organizing our understanding of the world, suggesting that categories can both reveal and obscure the true nature of things.
- ON THE QUANTITATIVE INDETERMINACY OF SELF: This chapter explores the nature of the self, arguing that it is not a fixed entity but a dynamic and indeterminate process. The author examines the relationship between the self and the world, suggesting that our sense of self is constantly shaped by our interactions with others and our environment.
- BEYOND MAN: This chapter explores the concept of transcendence, arguing that there is a reality that extends beyond our human experience. The author discusses the limitations of our senses and reason, suggesting that there are dimensions of reality that we can only access through faith, intuition, or other non-rational means.
- LOVE, REASON, PERCEPTION: This chapter examines the interplay between love, reason, and perception, arguing that these forces are interconnected and shape our understanding of the world. The author explores the role of love in guiding our reason and shaping our perceptions, suggesting that love is a fundamental principle of reality.
- MAN THE SACRAMENT OF UNITY: IS MAN A SPECIES?: This chapter explores the nature of humanity, arguing that we are not simply biological organisms but embodiments of a deeper unity. The author discusses the relationship between the individual and the collective, suggesting that our true essence lies in our interconnectedness with others.
- WHAT WAS AT STAKE IN MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY UNDERSTOOD IN THE LIGHT OF LATER DEVELOPMENT: This chapter examines the historical development of medieval philosophy, highlighting its influence on later philosophical thought. The author explores the key themes and concepts of medieval philosophy, arguing that they continue to have relevance for contemporary discussions about religion, reason, and human existence.
- REFLECTIONS ON THE TEACHING OF PHILOSOPHY IN CLERICAL SEMINARIES: This chapter examines the role of philosophy in religious education, arguing that philosophy can provide a valuable framework for understanding religious doctrine and engaging in theological inquiry. The author discusses the challenges and opportunities of teaching philosophy in a seminary setting, highlighting the importance of integrating faith and reason.
- WHATEVER HAPPENED TO MARXISM?: This chapter examines the legacy of Marxism, arguing that it remains a relevant and insightful framework for understanding social and economic inequality. The author discusses the strengths and weaknesses of Marxism, highlighting its enduring critique of capitalism and its potential for inspiring social change.
- ON (NOT) SHRINKING THE WORLD...: This chapter explores the relationship between globalization and the human condition, arguing that globalization has both positive and negative effects on our lives. The author examines the challenges and opportunities of living in a globalized world, suggesting that we must find ways to navigate the complexities of our interconnectedness.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This work focuses on themes of time, eternity, perception, begetting, faith, reason, and the relationship between the individual and the collective. It engages with the philosophies of Hegel and Augustine, exploring concepts such as the atman, the Trinity, and the flaming wheel of time. The author examines the intersection of philosophy, theology, and social commentary, drawing upon a wide range of thinkers and historical events.- Quote paper
- Dr. Stephen Theron (Author), 2008, Essays Hegelian and Ecumenical: What has been at stake, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/114834