Ebook: God's world, God's body

Using a holistic model of the human person as a basic point of departure, Grace Jantzen elaborates a doctrine of the relationship of God to the world showing that the two are, in fact, one reality. The central thesis of this creative and challenging work is that a dualistic perception of reality—both on the individual and cosmic levels—is no longer viable. Accordingly, just as a human body is perceived as the embodiment of the self, so too should the cosmos be viewed as the embodiment of God.

Jantzen begins by examining the theological reasons for disclaiming dualism and affirming human wholeness, and demonstrates the importance of this approach for understanding who God is. She carefully looks at theological teachings about the nature of God as all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present, reconciling these qualities with a holistic conception. She asserts that viewing the world as God's body heals the rift between the material world and spiritual values, enhancing the beauty and value of nature.