Creation and Redemption in Pannenberg with a View to the Ecological Perspective

Author: Rise, Svein

Source: Worldviews: Global Religions, Culture, and Ecology, Volume 14, Numbers 2-3, 2010 , pp. 216-231(16)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

A central perspective in this article is the relationship between pneumatology and the dogma of creation in Pannenberg's theology. In Pannenberg's view there is a parallel between the Biblical concept of the Spirit as moving power and nature's potential for transcendation. In short, this is Pannenberg's ecological dogma of creation. Secondly: The article shows subsequently the connection between incarnation—in light of the Spirit this is thought of as creative novelty—and the specific nature of the creation. The keyword here is the freedom for self-renewal, contingency and regularity. The third perspective deals with the interaction between the created and the redemption of the creation, which Pannenberg finds his basis for in the Trinity. This conception of the Trinity makes both interruption and continuity possible. Within this lies renewed arguments for the early church dogma of recapitulation. Additionally: the hope of the fulfilment of the earth contains a motive for protecting it. This leads to the fourth and last perspective, which concerns the Spirit's liberation of the senses. This liberation also finds its grounds in the Trinity: When the grace which is in Christ renews the senses so the Creator's is seen and heard the Father and the Son and Spirit are glorified. This in its turn makes it possible to apprehend that when the earth is damaged, God is wounded.

Keywords: pneumatology; incarnation; creation theology; ecology; liberation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853510X507329

Affiliations: 1: School of Religion, Education and Intercultural studies, Bergen Norway, Email: Svein.Rise@NLA.no

Publication date: 2010-08-01