The Metaphysics of Holiness: Created Participation in the Divine Nature

Abstract

Drawing on Lonergan’s systematic theology of the Trinity and his conception of four created participations in the divine nature, this article argues that these created participations should result in four ‘types’ of holiness. The article explains the nature of Lonergan’s proposal in relation to the more traditional approach of Thomas Aquinas and draws out the implication of the proposal through a description of the four types of holiness. Further implications are drawn in relation to interreligious dialogue. The conclusion is that the four types constitute a form of supernatural vestigia trinitatis, allowing for an approach to the doctrine of the Trinity based on religious experience.