Book Review: Early Christian Theology of Creation by Paul Blowers – A Comprehensive Analysis
Title: New Book Explores Early Christian Vision of Creation
In a recent publication by Oxford University Press, author Paul Blowers delves into the early Christian vision of creation, offering a comprehensive analysis of the theological reflections on this topic. Unlike previous studies that focus on specific aspects of early Christian theologies of creation, Blowers takes a panoramic view, highlighting the interconnected nature of themes such as the identity of the Creator, the drama of salvation, and the performance of Christian faith in various practices.
Blowers begins by examining Greco-Roman and Hellenistic-Jewish approaches to cosmology and cosmogony, arguing that both traditions influenced early Christian thought. He then explores the narrative framework of creation in the New Testament and its appropriation by theologians in the second and third centuries to establish normative doctrinal positions.
The book also delves into patristic interpretations of key scriptural texts, such as Genesis and the Psalms, highlighting the Trinitarian understanding of God and the role of Christ in creation. Blowers analyzes theological themes such as creatio ex nihilo and the mediatorial roles of Christ and the Holy Spirit in creation, emphasizing the triune Creator’s strategy throughout history.
In the final chapters, Blowers discusses the pastoral function of a theology of creation in Christian practice, including contemplation, liturgical and sacramental practices, and the formation of Christian ethics. He concludes by connecting patristic reflections on creation to modern theological approaches.
While the book has some methodological limitations, it is praised for its broad scope and compelling argument that early Christian theologians developed their understanding of creation through engagement with Scripture and within the broader framework of their doctrine of God and salvation. The book is recommended for advanced students and scholars of early Christianity and theology, offering valuable insights into the early Christian vision of creation.