Theological examination of nihilism and the Eucharist applied to missions and apologetics

Abstract

This research compares and contrasts the Eucharist against a theological understanding of nihilism in order to develop theological explanations about the nature of unbelief. This investigation starts by examining some of the Patristics (e.g., Athanasius, Gregory of Nyssa, and Cyril of Alexandria) and Aquinas in order to find the themes and trajectories of participation and nihilism found within their theology. Then the research investigates the development of these themes and trajectories within the Reformed tradition (e.g., Calvin, Vermigli, Owen, Herman Bavinck, and Van Til) culminating in a Reformed understanding of the Eucharist. This understanding of the Eucharist and it opposing nihilism are contrasted and developed in order to cultivate theological explanations about the nature of unbelief. This development of theological explanations will be for the purpose of better equipping the church for its tasks in the areas of missions and apologetics.