Grace, Disruption and Stability: The Christian Life in the Theologies of Rowan Williams and Oliver O’Donovan

This thesis explores the character of the Christian life in the writings of the contemporary Anglican theologians Rowan Williams and Oliver O’Donovan. I display a set of theological contrasts that arise from their respective accounts of creation and Christology, which are amplified in their understandings of the affective shape of the Christian life. I argue that the most constructive response to these differences is not to be found at the level of theological synthesis. Indeed, I argue for a certain kind of theological irresolution in response to these themes. When taken together, these thinkers’ works display a set of dissonant, yet equally necessary aspects of the Christian vision which are fruitful for wise Christian living. The dominant motif of Williams’ writings is the disruptive character of God’s transforming work in human lives, as each person grows into conformity with the crucified and risen Christ. In his vision, the Christian life involves a journey of being drawn by the Spirit into the endless abundance of God. It is a life marked by continual repentance and renewal, and learning to see Christ in new ways at the centre of all things. O’Donovan’s account of the Christian gospel focusses on the centrality of creation as a stable order, assured and restored through Christ’s resurrection. The Christian life entails seeking and joyously finding oneself within this good order of God’s making and redeeming. The gospel offers an assured place to survey one’s life, and a stable foundation from which to live well. I argue that these thinker’s works, when taken together, can nourish an account of Christian wisdom and discernment which brings to the foreground, in different ways and at different times, the disruptive and stabilising aspects of the Christian gospel, for the sake of faithful and flourishing Christian living