Divine Simplicity and the Triune Identity: A Critical Dialogue with the Theological Metaphysics of Robert W. Jenson (Theologische Bibliothek T?pelmann)

There has been a recent revival of interest in the doctrine of divine simplicity in systematic and philosophical theology, following decades of intense reflection on the tri-personhood of the Christian God. While recent studies have produced a greater appreciation of patristic and scholastic theologies, they have not yet engaged in dialogue with proponents of the trinitarian revival that emerged in the latter half of the twentieth century in anything other than polemical terms. This book offers a theological defense of the doctrine of divine simplicity through careful reading of both exemplary historical theologians and Robert W. Jenson, an important American contributor to the trinitarian revival. After tracing continuities and discontinuities amongst select historical theologians, the book approaches Jenson with a multivalent account of divine simplicity. The result is a more nuanced interpretation of Jenson’s theology, an account of divine simplicity that responds to perceived problems, and new constructive proposals for divine simplicity in trinitarian theology.

Jonathan Platter (PhD Cambridge) is a Wesleyan theologian and Associate Professor of Theology. His research focuses on systematic theology, particularly on the intersection between historical theology and contemporary constructive theology. His academic essays have appeared in the Heythrop Journal, the Journal for Theological Interpretation, Pro Ecclesia, the Scottish Journal of Theology, and the Wesleyan Theological Journal. He is the author of The Simplicity of God (Cascade, 2025) and co-editor with Jacob Lett of Sanctifying Theology (Pickwick, 2023).