Robert Jenson’s ecumenical vision based on his Trinitarian thought

Abstract

The American Lutheran theologian, Robert Jenson, is well known as an ecumenicaltheologian. He is also well known as a significant and prolific writer of Trinitariantheology during the last forty years. These two themes, Ecumenism and Trinity,are very closely interconnected in Jenson’s life and work. We can say that hisTrinitarian theology has been his leitmotiv and inspiration for his life-long ecumenicalengagement, and vice versa, that his ecumenical vision and dedication has influencedand motivated his Trinitarian theology in many ways. In this paper I will explore theecumenical perspectives and proposals Jenson has made as logical implications of hisTrinitarian theology. I will argue that his understanding of the relationship betweenthe Trinity and time helped to form his ecumenical vision and contributed to some ofhis ecumenical proposals. This will give an indication of how Jenson is searching for atheology of the one church of the future.