The Medieval Theology of Creation

In this course, we will examine some of the major texts and themes of the medieval theology of creation. This is a large subject and we will only be able to explore a limited portion. To gain an appreciation of the complexity, both in terms of content and methodology, we shall focus on five major medieval texts over twelve weeks, from Bede (672-735) to Robert Grosseteste (ca. 1170-1253). As we examine these texts, we shall be guided by three general questions: (1) How did classical and late antique (meta)physics shape the medieval account of creation? (2) What is the relationship between an account of creation and biblical hermeneutics? and, (3) What bearing did a theology of creation have on other major theological topics, such as soteriology and theological anthropology?