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Chapters, Providing Helpful Feedback and Immeasurable Encouragement Throughout the Writing Process E.Y. MULLINS, GEORGE W. TRUETT, AND A BAPTIST THEOLOGY OF NATURE AND GRACE Dissertation Submitted to The College of Arts and Sciences of the UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theology By Derek Christopher Hatch, M.Div. Dayton, Ohio May, 2011 E.Y. MULLINS, GEORGE W. TRUETT, AND A BAPTIST THEOLOGY OF NATURE AND GRACE Name: Hatch, Derek Christopher APPROVED BY: ______________________________________________________ William L. Portier, Ph.D. Dissertation Director ______________________________________________________ Kelly S. Johnson, Ph.D. Dissertation Reader ______________________________________________________ Dennis M. Doyle, Ph.D. Dissertation Reader ______________________________________________________ William V. Trollinger, Ph.D. Dissertation Reader ______________________________________________________ Barry A. Harvey, Ph.D. Dissertation Reader ______________________________________________________ Sandra A. Yocum, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Religious Studies ii © Copyright by Derek Christopher Hatch All rights reserved 2011 iii ABSTRACT E.Y. MULLINS, GEORGE W. TRUETT, AND A BAPTIST THEOLOGY OF NATURE AND GRACE Name: Hatch, Derek Christopher University of Dayton Advisor: Dr. William L. Portier This dissertation examines the prevalent ideas of Baptist theological discourse, finding that they have limited utility for offering a coherent account of particular Baptist practices. It argues that Baptists would greatly benefit from deeper engagement with Catholic thought, especially the theology of nature and grace as articulated by Henri de Lubac, S.J. After detailing the obstacles to and potential for such a theological endeavor, de Lubac’s work serves as a lens for viewing and evaluating particular moments in Baptist history. This project contends that the work of E.Y. Mullins and George W. Truett, Baptist luminaries who have exerted considerable influence on the ways that Baptists view the world around them, significantly contributes to the notable incoherence of Baptist discourse. Through de Lubac’s understanding of the relationship of nature and grace, though, Baptists can critically evaluate Mullins and Truett in order to locate and overcome specific problematic aspects of their thought (both in their own contexts and in the contemporary setting). Moreover, Baptists can also recover iv marginalized or forgotten voices within their tradition (e.g., certain seventeenth-century English Baptists and African-American Baptists) as invaluable resources for renewal of Baptist theological discourse. Finally, such work underscores the importance of situating Baptist life and thought within the conversations of the broader Christian tradition. v To Sarah, my joyous partner in life, And Philip and Simon, the outpouring of our joy together vi ACKNOWLEDGMENTS As with all works of theology, this dissertation would not be possible without the presence and influence others. Indeed, I have increasingly come to view this sort of collaboration as part and parcel of participating in the body of Christ. With that said, I would like to offer my deepest gratitude to my dissertation advisor, William Portier, for his encouragement throughout my studies at the University of Dayton. It was in my first doctoral seminar (taught by Dr. Portier) that seeds for this work with de Lubac were planted. Moreover, his patience, wise counsel, and good humor have helped me bring this dissertation’s wide range of voices together into a coherent whole. I am a better scholar because of his mentorship. I would also like to thank my dissertation committee: Kelly Johnson, Dennis Doyle, William Trollinger, and Barry Harvey. They always offered helpful encouragement and advice as well as tough but necessary questions during this process. Their careful attention in reading drafts, discussing the contours of the dissertation’s argument, and talking about the precise trajectory of this project has challenged my thought in ways beyond those seen in the text of this dissertation. For that, and for all of their support, I am tremendously grateful. vii Further, at the risk of neglecting to mention many who are deserving of recognition, I am keenly aware that this project was aided by other friends and scholars. Without their contributions, as well as their friendship, this dissertation might not have been possible. Michael Cox has listened to virtually every writing idea I have had and was a helpful friend in discussing the contours of various portions of this work. He also provided expert proofreading assistance. I am indebted to Timothy Gabrielli for our conversations about Catholic sacramental theology and the intriguing notion that Baptists might have any place in that discussion. Ethan Smith read an initial draft of certain chapters, providing helpful feedback and immeasurable encouragement throughout the writing process. Benjamin Peters deserves thanks for his conversations about Henri de Lubac’s understanding of nature and grace, which, I suspect mutually helped to bring both of our dissertations to completion. Additionally, Brad Kallenberg has always been a helpful friend and guide in helping me understand what it means to be part of the guild of theologians. Finally, the scholars associated with the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion Region-at-Large listened to earlier versions of portions of this dissertation. Their feedback was important for discerning the overall shape of this project. I am fortunate to have loving and supportive parents, Mitchell and Vanessa Hatch. They have always encouraged my academic pursuits in a wholly selfless manner. Moreover, they made our home one that simultaneously supported faith and learning. This project, as well as my vocational journey to this point, has been incubated and nurtured in that household. viii Most importantly, words cannot fully express my gratitude to my wife, Sarah, who has been a faithful companion in this journey and who has lovingly sacrificed so that this dissertation could be written. Her grace and patience are a constant gift to me each and every day. Even in frustrating and trying moments during this process, she never ceased to encourage me. This dissertation is my gift to her, and the celebration of its achievement is mutually shared. Our two sons, Philip and Simon, have also made innumerable contributions to this project. Both are an ever-present reminder that, like the supernatural’s relation to the natural, academic work is never divorced from the texture of human experience. Moreover, through diaper changing, trips to the park, and navigating nap time(s), I have come to appreciate the ways in which theological study is an embodied exercise as it is shaped by and reflects upon the union of human and divine within Christ’s Incarnation. As a result, my scholarly work is truly blessed by Sarah and the boys’ presence in my life, and I am most certainly a better theologian because of how I learn to be a better husband and a better dad each day. -Holy Week 2011 ix TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT........................................................................................................................... iv DEDICATION....................................................................................................................... vi ACKNOWLEDGMENTS....................................................................................................... vii I. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 1 Tales of Baptists’ Theological Confusion................................................................. 1 Interrogating Baptists’ Sources............................................................................... 7 Schisms/Disputes Provide No Relief..................................................................... 11 Baptists Among Other Protestants....................................................................... 14 Martin Luther............................................................................................ 15 John Calvin................................................................................................ 19 Searching for New Conversation Partners............................................................ 23 Overview............................................................................................................... 24 II. HENRI DE LUBAC AND THE THEOLOGY OF NATURE AND GRACE................................. 28 Historical Background........................................................................................... 29 Philosophical/Theological Influences........................................................ 32 Scholarship................................................................................................ 36 Suspected of Heterodoxy.......................................................................... 40 x Continued Work and Eventual Restoration.............................................. 42 The Thought of Henri de Lubac............................................................................ 44 Beatific Vision and Desiderium Naturale.................................................. 47 A More Augustinian Aquinas.................................................................... 51 Two Gifts of Grace.................................................................................... 54 Centrality of Paradox...............................................................................
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