Grammar of Divinity: Divine Simplicity and the Development of Metaphysical Language in the First Four Centuries

by Brian J. Orr

The current theological discourse raises questions regarding the validity of employing classical metaphysical categories to articulate the nature of the God of Holy Scripture. Nonetheless, such inquiries challenge the longstanding tradition within Christianity, which has historically utilized metaphysical language to expound upon the distinctive divine nature as depicted in Scripture. When confronted with divergent theologies that obfuscated biblical revelation, the early church fathers discerned that the crux of the issue lay not merely in matters of logic, although this aspect was undeniably pivotal, but also in a broader communication quandary—a grammatical dilemma. Pagan philosophers were at liberty to engage in speculative musings, but the church fathers remained steadfastly anchored to the tenets of scriptural revelation. It is imperative that theological discourses do not deviate from the sanctity of God’s Word and the gospel, thereby underscoring the criticality of language. This study endeavors to delineate the evolution of the metaphysical lexicon that has significantly informed our conceptual and linguistic comprehension of the divine essence and the Trinity, culminating in a divine grammar designed to facilitate clear, albeit analogical, discourse pertaining to the resplendent God as depicted in the Bible.

Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2024

Reviews

[Jason Alligood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Orr has given us a gift in compiling essential sections of the works of the most important historical figures in the development of the theological language we use for God. Rather than leaving one without a desire to explore further, Orr's work wets the appetite for the student and scholar alike to visit (or revisit as the case may be) these essential works in full, while also giving an accessible foray into this very important subject.