In Principio: Genesis and Theology in St. Bonaventure

Martello, Ruben (2023) In Principio: Genesis and Theology in St. Bonaventure. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

This dissertation is an examination of the hexaëmeron and commentary on Genesis 1 in the thought of St. Bonaventure (1221-1274). The bulk of the thesis consists of an investigation of the reception of the first chapter of Genesis (1:2-4a) in his works. It is argued that Bonaventure had a propensity to express much of his thinking in terms of the opening chapter of the Bible. Not only is this the case regarding his Collationes in hexaëmeron, but in even his earlier works, beginning from his De reductione artium ad theologiam, which is read in conjunction with the Omnium artifex. His interest in ‘the literal meaning’ of Genesis, which is first outlined in the commentary on the Sentences of Peter Lombard, is traced chronologically in a number of major works. In the course of the investigation, it will become clear how the influence of Genesis grows and develops in Bonaventure’s thought. This thesis finds that the engagement with Genesis is a significant contributing factor to understanding the complexity of Bonaventure’s rich, symbolic theology. He ought, therefore, to be understood within the Latin ‘Genesis tradition.’

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors: O'Loughlin, Thomas
Bell, Richard
Keywords: Saint Bonaventure, Hexaëmeron, Genesis, Historical Theology, Literal and Spiritual Senses of Scripture, Seminal Reasons, Exegesis
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BS The Bible
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BT Doctrinal theology
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Arts > School of Humanities
Item ID: 73703
Depositing User: Martello, Ruben
Date Deposited: 20 Jul 2023 04:40
Last Modified: 20 Jul 2023 04:40
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/73703

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