Norming the Norm of Relationality: A Theological and Interreligious Exploration of the Trinitarian Doctrine

Abstract

Should all metaphysical reflections on the Trinity begin with the “ substance/essence ” ontology? However, this approach has more often led to regressive metaphysical speculations, as is often witnessed in the historical theology of the Church. Are there alternative models that we can glean from the history of the Church that can provide a new means of conceptualizing the doctrine of the Trinity? This essay considers this issue at length to suggest a “ relational ontology ” paradigm in constructing the Trinitarian doctrine. It also makes use of Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-Dualism in Hindu philosophy) conception of “body -soul ” analogy to render a “ qualitative panentheistic ” model in construing the doctrine of the Trinity. These theological and interreligious explorations are expected to shed more light on the issue.