Imagination and the Playfulness of God

Synopsis:The human imagination is a reflection of and a participation in the divine imagination; so mused the romantic poet, philosopher and theologian Samuel Taylor Coleridge. His thinking was intuitive, dense, obscure, brilliant, and deeply influenced by German philosophy. This book explores the development of his philosophical theology with particular reference to the imagination, examining the diverse streams that contributed to the originality of his thought. The second section of this book extrapolates his thinking into areas into which Coleridge did not venture. If God is intrinsically imaginative, then how is this manifested? Can we articulate a theology of the ontology of God that is framed in imaginative and creative terms? Drawing on the groundbreaking work of Huizinga on ''play,'' this study seeks to develop a theological understanding of God''s playfulness.Endorsements:"Here is a theologian to watch. Expounding Coleridge is never easy, but in treating this complex genius Stockitt brings a rare and engaging lucidity. And he draws out the theme of the ''playfulness'' of God in a way that is both fascinating and beguiling, as well as crucial for theology today. A considerable achievement."-Jeremy BegbieDuke University"As one who has long believed in the importance of Coleridge as a creative theologian, I am delighted that Robin Stockitt has produced such a significant exploration of how Coleridge''s work on the imagination can lead us into an engagement with the play as a way of understanding the interplay of God''s being as a communion of love. This is indeed imaginative theology-a work from which many will profit and which I am delighted to commend."-Geoffrey RowellKeble College, OxfordAuthor Biography:Robin Stockitt is the minister of the Anglican Church in Freiburg, Germany. He is the author of Open to the spirit: St. Ignatius and John Wimber in Dialogue (2000).