Davenant Discussions David Bentley Hart: A Protestant Appraisal
Aug 20, 2025
Steven Wedgeworth, a theologian and scholar, explores the provocative ideas of David Bentley Hart. They discuss Hart's critiques of Protestantism and his cosmic view of God's nature, highlighting his belief in divine otherness and unique takes on atonement. Wedgeworth illuminates Hart's controversial stance on universalism and condemnation of eternal hell. The conversation also touches on Hart's literary style, his engagement with new atheism, and his interpretive strategies concerning Scripture, ultimately showcasing Hart as a challenging yet stimulating figure in contemporary theology.
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Divine Otherness Resolves Theological Dilemmas
- David Bentley Hart emphasizes divine otherness and analogy to resolve dilemmas about God's attributes.
- He argues God's being is on a different plane, preventing straightforward measurement by human categories.
Hart's Grandiloquent Writing Style
- Steven reads Hart as a flamboyant stylist who uses long sentences and rare words.
- He recounts Hart being congratulated at a party for using the word 'pugnotrophy' in an article.
A Robust Intellectual Rebuttal To New Atheism
- Hart writes compellingly against materialist atheism and critiques new atheism effectively.
- His Doors of the Sea and Atheist Delusions give Christians intellectual tools to rebut atheistic claims.
