Grace and participation in the theology of Thomas F. Torrance

• Main Author: Ziegler, George W.
• Published: University of Aberdeen 2014
• Subjects: 200; Grace (Theology)
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.629397

This thesis examines the concept of grace and participation in the theology of T.F. Torrance. Specifically, it demonstrates the centrality of Torrance's concept of grace across the dogmatic spectrum of his entire theology. It argues that grace, for Torrance, is a downward, twofold movement from the Father and to the Father, through the Son in the Spirit. This understanding of grace distinctly defines the Christian life as the gift of sharing in the Son's relation with the Father through the Spirit. Part One considers grace as a movement of the Trinity, expressed in the economy of salvation which moves from the Father through the Son in the Spirit, and in the Spirit through the Son to the Father. Part Two applies this understanding of grace to the human person. It traces the way in which human beings, through the Holy Spirit, participate in Christ's Sonship within the three concentric levels of anthropology, ecclesiology, and personal formation in Christ. This thesis makes at least three contributions to wider Torrance studies. First, it fills a significant gap in Torrance scholarship to date. Until now, no single monograph has existed which focuses attention specifically on the development and scope of Torrance's language and theology of grace. Second, this study demonstrates the critical import of Torrance's concept of grace for understanding his overall theology. A misunderstanding of Torrance's approach to grace will lead to misunderstanding at nearly every level of his theological thought. Third, this thesis shows that Torrance is a valuable resource for contemporary ecclesial practices of Christian Formation. Torrance offers a fresh vision of the moral life which is capable of rooting and enriching conversation on this important topic. Rather than casting human persons back upon themselves, all service and ministry in the Church are shared and mediated by Christ the eternal high priest who makes the whole life of the Church a kind of ‘living liturgy' of eucharistic participation.