The dialectical and trinitarian structure of Paul Tillich's systematic theology: with reference to G. W. F. Hegel and F. W. J. Schelling

The first half of this thesis delineates two different dialectical approaches present in Paul Tillich's Systematic Theology, which help shape both the structure and the Trinitarian content of the system. The first is a polar form of dialectic, present largely in the first volume ofthe Systematic Theology, which helps shape Tillich's dialectical ontology of being and non-being, and which closely resembles the dialectical approach of F.W.J. Schelling. The second is a triadic form of dialectic, observable throughout all three volumes ofthe Systematic Theology, which helps shape Tillich's existential description of salvation and history in terms of essence and existence, and which suggests a heretofore unexplored resemblance to the distinctly triadic systematic approach of G.W.F. Hegel. This half of the thesis concludes that, taken as a whole, the dialectical structure of Tillich's system more closely resembles a Hegelian, triadic shape.The second halfof this thesis explores the Trinitarian structure of Tillich's Systematic Theology, as well as the concept of the Trinity as employed by Hegel and Schelling. As with the concept of dialectic, the concept of the Trinity is also significantly different in the Hegelian and Schellingian systems. This part of the thesis demonstrates that Tillich's systematic employment of a Trinitarian framework is significantly removed from Schelling's interpretation of the Trinity in his lectures on religion. It further demonstrates that Tillich's use of the Trinity more closely resembles Hegel's use of it in his lectures on religionIn addition to its demonstration of the presence of Hegelian concepts and content within the Systematic Theology, this examination is unique in its consultation of recent English language publications concerning German Idealism. In the case of Schelling, this includes recent translations and critical editions of some of his major works; in the case of Hegel, it includes recent critical editions of some of his major works, compiled from original manuscripts and early translations and editions