Trinitarian Ontology: What is it?

Abstract

Trinitarian ontology is an expression that has to some extent become current in the last 30-40 years. A brief essay by Klaus Hemmerle, entitled Thesen zu einer trinitarischen Ontologie, brought it to the fore. But the expression itself, and first of all what it means and implies, go much further back in time. In reality, the questions surrounding the expression are neither few nor trivial. They touch upon its usage and applicability and, still more, upon its plausibility, its effectiveness and its impact upon the cultural project it facilitates and seeks to promote. The purpose of this contribution, which is simply introductory in nature, is to look at some methodological suggestions that offer an illustration of the relevance of Trinitarian ontology and the project it inspires, and point to how it can be pursued with the greatest possible rigour, honesty and creativity.