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WHDL - 00021893

A "New" Neoclassicism: Divine Simplicity as Shaloming Simplicity and its Ecclesial Implications

Jeffrey Sherwood Jewett

A "New" Neoclassicism: Divine Simplicity as Shaloming Simplicity and Ecclesiatical Implications

Resource Types

Academic (Thesis, Dissertation, Etc.)

Resource Languages

English

Institutional Repository

Description / Abstract

This project critically engages the classical doctrine of divine simplicity, interrogating its historical development and contemporary theological critiques to propose a “new neoclassicism” rooted in the concept of shaloming simplicity. By tracing the legacy of classical theism through Augustine, Aquinas, and modern interlocutors like David Bentley Hart and Paul Hinlicky, the study exposes tensions between divine freedom, determinism, and creaturely agency.

It challenges the perceived incompatibility of divine simplicity with a dynamic, relational God, arguing that deterministic frameworks risk collapsing divine and creaturely freedom. In dialogue with process theology’s rejection of classical metaphysics, the project synthesizes apophatic and cataphatic theology to reimagine divine simplicity as an expression of God’s triune love – a shaloming activity oriented toward cosmic reconciliation (shalom).

Drawing on Brueggemann’s vision of shalom and Eucharistic theology, the proposal reframes simplicity as God’s undivided commitment to healing fractured creation, with ecclesial implications for practices of community, justice, and sacramental participation. Ultimately, the dissertation argues that divine simplicity, reconceived as “love loving,” grounds a hermeneutic of shalom that bridges theological metaphysics and the church’s mission, offering a transformative vision of God’s economy for creation.

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Publishers

Publish Year: 2025

Subject Index

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KeywordsShalom, divine simplicity, apophatic theology, cataphatic theology, neoclassicism, Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, Walter Brueggemann, David Bentley, Paul Hinlicky, healing creation, Eucharist, mission of the church, love of God, classical metaphysics

Degree AwardedDoctor of Ministry

Awarding InstitutionNazarene Theological Seminary

Committee MembersJonathan Platter, Derek Davis

Supervisor or ChairSusan Carole

Peer Reviewed?No

Place of PublicationKansas City, MO

Pages148

Original LanguageEnglish

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