A two-armed embrace: The panentheistic trinitarianism of Rahner and Edwards

Abstract

Denis Edwards relies heavily on Karl Rahner’s conception of the Trinity in his own construction of an ecological Trinitarian theology. However, he breaks from Rahner in the specific roles of each person of the Trinity. For Edwards, the Spirit is the immanent presence of God, while the Son is the exemplar for the unique identity of each creature. Conversely, for Rahner, the Son is categorical revelation and the Spirit is transcendental revelation. Thus, Rahner’s thought allows for an immanent Christ in a way that Edwards does not. Edwards’ ecological theology is weakened by this shift. By removing the imminent presence of Christ, he weakens the ability of the Trinitarian God to communicate about the here and now of creation.