Description
Book SynopsisJürgen Moltmann's Doctrine of the Image of God examines the doctrine of the Image of God in the interpretation of contemporary theologian Jürgen Moltmann. A Reformed theologian from Germany, Moltmann espouses the doctrine in a way that creates a blurring of the Creator-creation distinction. This work identifies the problem with Moltmann's formulation of the doctrine of the image of God as stemming from Moltmann's rejection of classical theism or monotheism. He replaces it with the notion of transcendental immanence, together with Trinitarian pantheism, accentuated by means of Hegelian dialectics in alignment with Eastern Orthodox perspectives of the Trinity. Moltmann, therefore, makes the Trinity the foundation of all theologies, and, accordingly, understands the
Imago Dei as the
Imago Trinitatis. As a result, Moltmann blurs the Creator-creation distinction.
According to the Scriptures however, the Image of God denotes elements of similarity between the divine and
Trade Review«Nengean is to be commended for raising a dissenting voice in the midst of numerous Moltmann supporters. He argues cogently from a traditional Reformed perspective, but also demonstrates that he is conversant with current Moltmann studies. Nengean’s approach is even-handed and, at times, supportive. Yet he insists without apology that Moltmann’s thinking must be analyzed and interpreted for what it is, rather than being embraced simply because of Moltmann’s stature in the theological world. For his assessment, we should be grateful.» (Ben D. Craver, Theological Book Review 26.1, 2014)
