Divine Existential Unity
John 17:20–23 (NRSV):
20 “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
DEU: Bridging Existence, Relationality, and Trinitarian Persons
Abstract:
The Divine Existential Unity (DEU) provides a profound lens to understand existence, emphasizing the foundational act of being and the dynamic, relational nature of God. This relational non-dual monism bridges traditional metaphysical insights with a nuanced understanding of the Trinitarian Persons.
Introduction:
The enduring endeavor to comprehend the nature of existence and the divine has been central to theologians and philosophers. While classical concepts like Aquinas’ “esse” have offered foundational insights, there’s a need for principles that can bridge these ideas with contemporary theological insights, especially the understanding of the Trinitarian Persons. The Divine Existential Unity (DEU) emerges as a profound metaphysical principle that serves as a foundational concept, aligning with Christian Revelation and the Trinity in Unity.
Defining the Divine Existential Unity (DEU):
The DEU is a foundational principle that harmonizes the concepts of transcendence and immanence within the Trinitarian framework. It functions as a principle of the most general, akin to Thomas Aquinas’ “esse”. This act is manifested in the Trinitarian relations, reflecting the divine monarchy’s range and rule.
Transcendence (Essence):
At the heart of DEU is the recognition of God’s essence that transcends all created realities. This transcendent essence is manifested in the foundational act of being, integral to all existence. This act, deeply rooted in the Trinitarian relations, reflects the divine monarchy’s range and rule. God, in this context, is not just another being among beings but is the very essence of “Being Itself.”
Immanence (Action):
While God’s essence is transcendent, His actions are immanent, reflecting His continuous engagement with creation. The Trinity, in DEU, is a dynamic, relational presence that emphasizes the act of existence and underscores the interconnectedness of all things. This interconnectedness is the mode through which the Trinity actively engages with the world.
DEU and the Full Interval Trinity Theory (FITT):
The FITT posits that the three persons of the Trinity exist within their own intervals of divine being, encompassing the entirety of the divine nature. DEU complements this by emphasizing that these intervals are manifestations of the foundational act of being.
DEU and Divine Action Theory:
Divine Action Theory underscores God’s active role in the world. DEU enhances this by emphasizing that God’s actions are rooted in His very nature as “Being Itself.” Every divine action is an expression of God’s foundational act of existence.
DEU and Divine Confluent Identity Theory (DCIT):
DCIT proposes that the three persons of the Trinity share a single divine essence while maintaining their distinct personal existence. DEU provides the existential grounding for this.
Ethical Implications of DEU:
DEU’s emphasis on interconnectedness and the foundational act of being has implications for ethical thinking and behavior.
Practical Applications and Theological Dialogue:
DEU’s influence extends to the church, pastoral care, and spiritual formation. This section explores the practical applications of DEU and engages with critiques or alternative viewpoints.
DEU and the Insight of the Trinity:
The revelation of the Trinity as unity in trinity and trinity in Unity is a profound insight into the nature of the God of Christ. DEU supports and deepens this insight by offering principled and profound metaphysical understanding.
Conclusion:
The Divine Existential Unity (DEU) offers a profound understanding of the nature of existence, bridging foundational metaphysical insights with contemporary theological understandings. It also give a basic orientation to my theology, that is relational, non-dual, and monistic. By emphasizing both the foundational act of being and the dynamic, relational nature of God, DEU provides a robust framework that complements and enhances theological systems like FITT, Divine Action Theory, and DCIT.
Glossary Entry:
Divine Existential Unity (DEU): A theological and metaphysical principle emphasizing the foundational act of being found in the Divine, who is “Being Itself.” DEU underscores both the existential and the relational, dynamic nature of God as a non-dual monism for the service of Trinitarianism. https://robertdryer.com/the-relational-ontology-of-deu/
Biblical Verses for Reflection:
– Deuteronomy 6:4
– John 1:1-3
– Matthew 28:19
– John 1:14
– Colossians 1:15-20
– Hebrews 1:3
– 1 Corinthians 8:6
– 2 Corinthians 13:14
– Ephesians 4:4-6
– 1 Peter 1:2
– 1 John 5:7
– Revelation 1:4-6
Dialectic:
The Divine Existential Unity (DEU) stands as a beacon of metaphysical insight, positing a unity that seamlessly integrates the transcendent essence of God with His immanent actions. This unity, while emphasizing the profound interconnectedness of all existence, is careful not to blur the Creator/creature distinction. On the other hand, the revelation of the Trinity as Unity in trinity and trinity in Unity presents the ultimate transmundane reality. This revelation, rich in its depth, showcases the Trinitarian relations as a mirror to the divine monarchy’s range and rule, emphasizing the distinct yet unified nature of the Trinitarian Persons. The DEU, in its metaphysical brilliance, provides the linguistic and conceptual tools to articulate this range and rule in the most general terms.
For more on the DEU, see the underlying philosophy and argument supporting it here:
