Bretz, John J. “The ‘Emptying’ Trinity: An Alternative Process Relational Trinitarian Theology.” Brisbane College of Theology, Brisbane, Australia, 1999.

Abstract

Ever since Kant relegated the doctrine of the Trinity to the appendix of theology, this doctrine has struggled to demonstrate its contemporary relevance.  There is amongst process theologians a strong difference in opinion between those who consider that Whiteheadian metaphysics can support trinitarian thought and those who consider that it cannot.  This these outlines how this came to be and summarises the current state of the debate.  Additionally, a new notion of a process-relational Trinity is offered in terms of an 'Emptying Trinity' - characterised by a lack or emptiness of self and ego that enables a fullness of relationality.  This notion of emptiness in the divine Trinity will be outlined in terms of a Zen approach and in terms of the Christian notion of kenosis.  out of this new understanding of process and emptiness some initial suggestions will be made in terms of seeking to create a process ethic of creation.