It is good : Creation, phenomenology, and culture

This dissertation provides a phenomenology of creation’s goodness and clarifies the ongoing relevance of an important theological doctrine. It argues that the appearing of a good creation is not synonymous with a confession of faith nor does it require an overly optimistic disposition. Instead, that which is good about the place in which we find ourselves appears within diverse contexts and circumstances. Particular attention is given to the work of Jean-Yves Lacoste, Claude Romano, Emmanuel Falque, Jean-Luc Marion and Jean-Louis Chrétien. In order to describe the various phenomenological dynamics of this goodness, the study follows along two-interconnected tracks. First, it argues for a “pre-predicative” or “prelinguistic” goodness that is not reducible to a particular confessional stance. This goodness appears quite broadly and remains open to a diverse range of interpretations. Second, it examines what it means to integrate this general play of goodness into a specifically Christian horizon of place that affirms God’s ongoing relation to creation. Alongside critical contributions to French phenomenology and creation theology, this dissertation develops an overlooked theme in continental philosophy of religion and provides theological and philosophical justification to care for creation.