With Sighs Too Deep for Words: Edward Schillebeeckx and the Holy Spirit

Abstract

The Holy Spirit is notably absent in the theology of Edward Schillebeeckx. This absence has led some to question whether the Spirit even has a place in Schillebeeckx’s theology. Through a close reading of Schillebeeckx’s published works, this thesis explores the place of the Spirit in Schillebeeckx’s theology. It argues that while the Spirit is not a focus for Schillebeeckx, there is a distinctive but underdeveloped account of the Spirit in his work. The reasons for this lack of development are multifaceted but can ultimately be traced back to the dominant model of the Trinity in Western Christianity. In addition to identifying the place of the Spirit in Schillebeeckx’s theology, this thesis also responds to the ongoing recovery of the Spirit in Western theology by identifying places of constructive pneumatological potential in Schillebeeckx’s work. By thinking through these areas of constructive interest, this thesis concludes by suggesting an image of the Spirit as the movement of God in creation of whom Christ is the concentrated or definitive form.