Tomorrow morning I’ll be heading to Chicago for three days of theological conversations with Jürgen Moltmann, arguably one of the most influential theologians of the last one hundred years. The event is part of the 2009 Emergent Theological Conversation (You can follow the conversation at the Moltmann twub).

I discovered Moltmann several years ago while working on my doctorate at Fuller Theological Seminary. His concept of the relationality of the Trinity was an enormous help in my work. I recall stumbling upon one of his sermons, The Triune God: Rich in Relationships, (You can read here at the Per-Cruem-ad-Lucem blog. I went back to the chapter in my dissertation where I referenced it. Here’s an excerpt about the “wondrous community” of the Trinity:

“Moltmann believes that a ‘wondrous community’ exists between the Father, Son, and Spirit, meaning that “God is a social God, rich in internal and external relationships.” This is why the Scriptures conclude, ‘God is love’ (1 John 4:8) …  For Moltmann, this is the center of the triune communion expressed in redemptive love.”

If you want to learn more about Jürgen Moltmann, check out Tyndale University’s Jürgen Moltmann Reading Room. It’s filled with links to Moltmann’s books via Google Reader, journal articles, and much more.  I’ll be hanging out in Chicago this week with my friend Ryan Bell who blogs at Intersections. This week he posted some reflections on the Spectrum blog about the conversation with Moltmann. Ryan wonders what kinds of questions to ask Moltmann. Check it out and let me know if you have any good questions too.

2 Responses to “A Conversation with Jürgen Moltmann”

1. Mark Niemeyer says:

   September 13, 2009 at 12:26 pm

   I wasn’t sure what to expect with the Moltmann conversation. Reading “Theology of Hope” I sensed his deep devotion to Jesus. This was confirmed for me in our three days together.

   One of the things Moltmann addressed was conflicts in Scripture, e.g. Paul telling us that women shouldn’t speak in church. His simple test of going with the most Christlike choice was very helpful for me. It was obviously simple, yet deeply profound.
2. Rev. Charles J. McGuigan says:

   June 2, 2010 at 6:22 pm

   I’m studying Jurgen Moltmann in my pastoral class at college. I have to do a paper on his “hope”‘ believes. What I read so far says this is a great man to me. Any help I can get on this topic is most welcomed. Thanks Rev. Charles