Reformed Apophaticism
: The Decline and Retrieval of the Doctrine of Divine Incomprehensibility in Reformed Theology

  • Jack O'Grady

Student thesis: Doctoral ThesisDoctor of Philosophy

Abstract

This thesis argues that there are deep continuities between classical apophatic theology and early modern Reformed theology, which have been eclipsed in the modern period. It then proposes a way forward for contemporary Reformed theology to retrieve the doctrine of divine incomprehensibility, against the backdrop of other recent retrievals of 'classical theism', and in conversation with contemporary apophaticism.

The argument begins by describing apophaticism through expositions of three major classical apophatic theologians: Gregory of Nyssa, Pseudo-Dionysius and Thomas Aquinas. Following this, a survey and exposition of major Reformed and post-Reformation theologians highlights continuities between their doctrines of divine incomprehensibility and the classical apophatic tradition. I then turn to Kant and three nineteenth-century 'agnostic' philosophers, in order to provide the background to the changing understanding of divine incomprehensibility in modern Reformed theology. An in-depth exposition of the late 19th/early 20th century Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck follows, presenting him as a modern Reformed theologian who holds firmly to a robust doctrine of divine incomprehensibility, whilst resisting post-Kantian epistemological scepticism. From here, the decline of this strong form of divine incomprehensibility in certain major 19th and 20th century Reformed theologians is demonstrated, focusing in particular on Charles Hodge and three of his theological heirs: Cornelius Van Til, John Frame and Michael Horton. I then turn to Karl Barth as a further example of modern Reformed apophaticism, before showing how this apophaticism is lost in the work of three major post-Barthian theologians: T. F. Torrance, Robert Jenson and Colin Gunton. In my final chapter, I attempt to provide some constructive suggestions for how earlier forms of Reformed apophaticism might be retrieved in a contemporary context.
Date of Award1 Oct 2022
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • King's College London
SupervisorSusannah Ticciati (Supervisor) & Clare Carlisle (Supervisor)

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