The Eco-theological Significance of William Temple's 'Sacramental Universe'. Issue 1 (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guess, Deborah
• Is Part Of: Journal of Anglican studies. Volume 18:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: eco-theology, -- incarnation, -- inter-connected, -- matter, -- sacramental universe, -- William Temple; Anglican Communion -- Periodicals; Anglicans -- History -- Periodicals; 283.05
• DOI: 10.1017/S1740355320000248
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-3553

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to contribute to the project of recovering aspects of Christian thought which are significant for a contemporary eco-theological sensibility. The work of William Temple, in particular his concept of the sacramental universe, is discussed in relation to three eco-theological principles. Temple's affirmation that matter has significance coheres with the principle that the Earth has value; his notion that the Incarnation is the pre-eminent expression of divine meaning connects with the principle that creation is expressive of divine mind and purpose; and the inter-disciplinary scope of Temple's thought coheres with the principle of inter-connectedness. Temple's concept of the sacramental universe might assist the engagement between theology and the present ecological context.