A Trinitarian Theology of Law: In Conversation with Jurgen Moltmann, Oliver O'Donovan and Thomas Aquinas (Paternoster Theological Monographs)

A Trinitarian Theology of Law: In Conversation with Jurgen Moltmann, Oliver O'Donovan and Thomas Aquinas (Paternoster Theological Monographs)

This book explores the neglected significance of the doctrine of the Trinity for the understanding of human law. Through interaction with the thought of Jurgen Moltmann, Oliver O'Donovan and Thomas Aquinas, it argues that human law is called to play a positive but limited role in maintaining "shallow justice" and relative peace. Human law is overshadowed by the work of the Son, included in the purposes of the Father, and used as an instrument by the Holy Spirit. However, the Spirit works in those who are in Christ to effect "deep justice," a work of sanctification which culminates in glorification--the experience of perfect, free, willing obedience in heaven. Thinking about law in the light of the Trinity enables us to understand its role, its purposes, and its limits. "Using a trio of Aquinas, Moltmann, and O'Donovan as his foils, David McIlroy argues for a trinitarian theology of human law, rooted in the created order of God the Father, accountable to the final judgement of God the Son, and inspired by the liberating impulses of the God the Spirit. This engaging text offers a provocative and innovative outline for a whole new way of thinking about the foundations and fundamentals of law and government. Jurists and theologians alike will find ample inspiration in these learned pages." John Witte, Jr., Director of the Center for the Study of Law and Religion, Emory University ". . . a tour de force that unpacks theology of law in relationship not only to the Christian doctrines of creation, fall, and providence, but also vis-à-vis the doctrines of incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and Pentecost. Going beyond his interlocutors, McIlroy is at his most provocative, in my view, in proposing a pneumatological theology of law that sees the role of the Spirit both as "hidden" in the maintenance of what he calls "shallow justice" (the administration of human rule) and as a prerequisite to the achievement of "deep justice" (which emerges out of transformed hearts rather than through legislative enaction)." Amos Yong, Regent University School of Divinity "This book effectively does what it sets out to do, that is, to assess the significance of the doctrine of the Trinity in helping us to understand human law by means of an extended conversation with Jürgen Moltmann, Oliver O'Donovan, and Thomas Aquinas. . . . There is no doubt that McIlroy has an assured knowledge not just of the key theological texts of Moltmann, O'Donovan, and Aquinas that aid Christian reflection on the proper, divinely ordained role of human law, but also of classical theological and legal works." Brian T. Trainor, Tabor College, Adelaide David McIlroy is a practicing barrister, an Associated Research Fellow of Spurgeon's College, London, and author of A Biblical View of Law and Justice. He is married with two children and part of the leadership team of Bedford Hill Baptist Church. Nigel G. Wright (PhD) is Principal Emeritus of Spurgeon's College London, and a former President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. An ordained minister, his career has been divided equally between serving local churches and teaching theology. Used Book in Good Condition