Abstract:

This paper studies how Jurgen Moltmann, Bonaventure, and Jonathan Edwards use the notion that God's goodness is self-diffusive and the doctrine of the trinity to understand why God created the world and what this means to God. It first examines Moltmann's theology, noting some problems in his thought. It then looks at how Bonaventure's approach avoids these while creating others. This is followed by Edwards’ utilization of the notion of moral necessity and a more complex understanding of infinity to provide a more coherent understanding than the other two, while incorporating insights present in the thought of both.

Author: Don Schweitzer