Theandric and Triune: John Owen and Christological Agency

This work explores the concept of divine and human agency in Christological action from within the Reformed tradition, drawing from the theology of John Owen and advancements in philosophy of action. It offers clarity to the christological and trinitarian uses of the language of "agent/agency" in Christ and attends to the theological entailments therein. The book argues that Owen helps us recover an understanding of christological agency that is internally coherent and theologically prudent, and that the Reformed tradition can articulate Christological "agency" in a way that is coherent with Scripture, ecumenical councils, and classical trinitarianism while contributing to contemporary theological discussions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Describing Jesus as an "agent" of divine actions, or as one who possesses human "agency," is a common theme in Christological discussions. However, these discussions often lack a deep understanding of the terms' meanings and the theological implications of such claims. For instance, while many theologians who adhere to the definition of Chalcedon consider Jesus as one agent, we may wonder if this implies that the triune God comprises "three agents?" Similarly, if Christ possesses "singular agency," how does his divinity and humanity operate in his actions?

In response to these questions, this work draws from the theology of John Owen and advancements in the philosophy of action to offer an account of divine and human agency in Christological action within the Reformed tradition. It aims to provide clarity to the christological and trinitarian uses of the language of "agent/agency" in Christ and to address the theological implications therein. While there may appear to be internal inconsistencies with accounts that subscribe to classical trinitarianism and Reformed Christological agency, this book argues that Owen helps us recover an understanding of christological agency that is internally coherent and theologically prudent.

As such, the Reformed tradition can articulate Christological "agency" in a way that is coherent with the testimony of Scripture, the ecumenical councils, and classical trinitarianism, while also contributing to contemporary theological discussions. The case not only offers terminological clarity and theological coherence but also encourages Christians to appreciate the trinitarian love of God in Christ's action and the human sympathy of Christ for his people.

The concept of divine and human agency in Christological action is a complex and multifaceted topic that requires careful consideration. In this work, we will explore the various perspectives on this issue and seek to provide a comprehensive account of divine and human agency in Christological action within the Reformed tradition.

One of the key figures in the study of divine and human agency in Christological action is John Owen. Owen was a prominent English theologian who lived in the 17th century. He is known for his strong commitment to the Reformed tradition and his emphasis on the importance of the doctrine of the Trinity. Owen's theology of divine and human agency is rooted in his understanding of the Trinity as a triune God who is one in essence but three in person.

According to Owen, the triune God is the ultimate agent of all divine actions. He argues that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons who work together in perfect harmony to bring about the redemption of humanity. While the Father is the ultimate source of all divine power and authority, the Son is the mediator of God's love and grace to humanity. The Holy Spirit is the agent of God's presence and power in the world.

Owen also emphasizes the importance of human agency in Christological action. He believes that while the triune God is the ultimate agent of all divine actions, humans are also responsible for their actions and choices. Humans are created in the image of God and have the capacity to choose to follow God's will or to rebel against him. However, because of sin, humans are often inclined to rebel against God and choose to do their own will.

Owen's understanding of human agency is rooted in his belief in the depravity of human nature. He argues that humans are born with a natural inclination to sin and that they are unable to save themselves from their sinfulness. However, through the grace of God, humans can be redeemed and restored to a right relationship with God. This redemption is accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of all humanity and rose from the dead to give them eternal life.

Owen's understanding of human agency is also influenced by his belief in the sovereignty of God. He argues that God is in control of all events and that he has the power to bring about his will in the world. However, he also believes that God is not arbitrary or capricious but is loving and merciful. God desires to save all people and has provided the means for them to be saved through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In addition to his understanding of the Trinity and human agency, Owen also emphasizes the importance of the doctrine of justification by grace alone. He argues that justification is not a result of human effort or merit but is a gift of God's grace. Through justification, humans are declared righteous in God's sight and are given the gift of eternal life.

Owen's theology of divine and human agency is a rich and complex doctrine that has had a significant impact on the Reformed tradition. His emphasis on the triune God as the ultimate agent of all divine actions and his understanding of human agency as a result of the depravity of human nature and the grace of God have helped to shape the Reformed understanding of salvation and the role of humans in God's plan.

However, it is important to note that not all Reformed theologians have agreed with Owen's understanding of divine and human agency. Some have argued that Owen's emphasis on the triune God as the ultimate agent of all divine actions may lead to a neglect of the individual responsibility of humans for their actions. Others have argued that Owen's understanding of human agency may be too limited and may not adequately account for the role of the Holy Spirit in the redemption of humanity.

Despite these criticisms, Owen's theology of divine and human agency remains a valuable contribution to the Reformed tradition. His emphasis on the triune God as the ultimate agent of all divine actions and his understanding of human agency as a result of the depravity of human nature and the grace of God have helped to shape the Reformed understanding of salvation and the role of humans in God's plan.

In addition to Owen's theology, there have been advancements in the philosophy of action that have also contributed to our understanding of divine and human agency in Christological action. One of the key figures in this field is the American philosopher John Searle. Searle is known for his work on the concept of intentionality and his argument that intentionality is a necessary condition for human action.

According to Searle, intentionality is the ability to act with a certain goal or intention in mind. It is the ability to act with a certain goal or intention in mind. Searle argues that intentionality is a necessary condition for human action because it is what distinguishes human actions from the actions of animals and machines. Animals and machines can act without intentionality, but they cannot act with intentionality.

Searle's argument has significant implications for our understanding of divine and human agency in Christological action. He argues that the triune God is the ultimate agent of all divine actions because he is the ultimate intentionality. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons who work together in perfect harmony to bring about the redemption of humanity. However, humans are also agents of divine action because they are capable of acting with intentionality.

Searle's argument has been criticized by some theologians who argue that it may be too narrow and may not adequately account for the role of the Holy Spirit in the redemption of humanity. However, Searle's argument is still a valuable contribution to our understanding of divine and human agency in Christological action.

In addition to Searle's work, there have been other advancements in the philosophy of action that have also contributed to our understanding of divine and human agency in Christological action. One of these is the work of the American philosopher Robert Merrihew Adams. Adams is known for his work on the concept of moral responsibility and his argument that moral responsibility is a necessary condition for human action.

According to Adams, moral responsibility is the ability to act with a certain moral obligation in mind. It is the ability to act with a certain moral obligation in mind. Adams argues that moral responsibility is a necessary condition for human action because it is what distinguishes human actions from the actions of animals and machines. Animals and machines can act without moral responsibility, but they cannot act with moral responsibility.

Adams' argument has significant implications for our understanding of divine and human agency in Christological action. He argues that the triune God is the ultimate agent of all divine actions because he is the ultimate moral responsibility. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons who work together in perfect harmony to bring about the redemption of humanity. However, humans are also agents of divine action because they are capable of acting with moral responsibility.

Adams' argument has been criticized by some theologians who argue that it may be too narrow and may not adequately account for the role of the Holy Spirit in the redemption of humanity. However, Adams' argument is still a valuable contribution to our understanding of divine and human agency in Christological action.

In conclusion, the concept of divine and human agency in Christological action is a complex and multifaceted topic that requires careful consideration. John Owen's theology of divine and human agency is rooted in his understanding of the Trinity as a triune God who is one in essence but three in person. Owen emphasizes the importance of human agency in Christological action and argues that humans are responsible for their actions and choices. However, Owen also emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the grace of God in the redemption of humanity.

In addition to Owen's theology, advancements in the philosophy of action, such as the work of John Searle and Robert Merrihew Adams, have also contributed to our understanding of divine and human agency in Christological action. Searle argues that intentionality is a necessary condition for human action and that the triune God is the ultimate intentionality. Adams argues that moral responsibility is a necessary condition for human action and that the triune God is the ultimate moral responsibility.

While there may be criticisms of these arguments, they are still valuable contributions to our understanding of divine and human agency in Christological action. These arguments help us to better understand the role of humans in God's plan and the significance of the grace of God in the redemption of humanity. As Christians, we must continue to explore these topics and seek to deepen our understanding of the nature of God and the role of humans in his plan.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780567713735