Theology of Anticipation: A Constructive Study of C. S. Peirce: 66 (Princeton Theological Monograph)

Description: Is hope an attitude of wishful thinking or is it a volitional appropriation of what is to come? What does it mean to believe in a divine promise anticipating but not experiencing its fulfillment? Theology of Anticipation responds to these questions with a constructive study of C. S. Peirces philosophy. It explores Peirces strong but ambiguous links to the tradition of 19th century classical German philosophy and the unique way he resurrected this traditions theoretical content in the American context. Then introducing Wolfhart Pannenbergs philosophical theology of anticipation in a discussion of Peirces epistemological application of the theory of abduction Anette Ejsing reads these two in light of each other with the goal of proposing a Peircean theology of anticipation. With this proposal she offers a new model for how both rational inquirers and believing theologians can take for real in the present what belongs permanently to the future. This model describes the human pursuit of cognitive as well as personal fulfillment (of understanding and meaning) as anchored in a promise of fulfillment which makes it an expression of anticipatory hope. Considering Peirces religious writings of systematic importance for his philosophy Theology of Anticipation offers critical comments to two existing interpretations of Peirces philosophy of religion: Michael L. Raposas theosemiotic and Robert S. Corringtons Peircean theology of divine potentialities. About the Contributor(s): Anette Ejsing is a native of Denmark and she completed her PhD at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. She currently teaches theology at Augustana College in Rock Island Illinois