First Advisor

Dr. Tom Howe

Second Advisor

Dr. Amy Schreier

Reader

Dr. Ian Oliver

College

Regis College

Degree Name

BA

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Number of Pages

64 pages

Abstract

This thesis argues that there are some interpretations of Christian traditions which are not adequate in response to questions of human experience, particularly suffering, which results in a crisis of faith. Questions of purpose or greater meaning of suffering people face are often answered by their relationship to the divine. Through the process of critiquing the American Prosperity Gospel, Karl Barth’s Universal Predestination of Grace, and biblical narratives, I argue that there are some authoritarian monotheistic conceptions of divinity which do not adequately respond to questions of human suffering. As a way of providing an imaginative approach to divinity, I then explore a polytheistic understanding of divinity based on the ancient Greek pantheon. Through the examination of myths, I offer that a polytheistic understanding of divinity might be helpful for people who find monotheistic divinity limiting to respond to questions of faith. I explore the possibility of a divinity which exemplifies human behavior and displays a range of human experiences. Recognizing that a divinity could be fallible also relieves the pressure of measuring up to heavenly standards which could be liberating for some people. This is an exploratory thesis which looks to question commonly held beliefs and push for adequate answers when some understandings of the oppressive, restricted monotheistic divinity does not allow for inclusive or creative answers to suffering.

Date of Award

Spring 2023

Location (Creation)

Colorado (state); Denver (county); Denver (inhabited place)

Rights Statement

All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.

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