BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam//NONSGML v1.0//EN NAME:PhD defence M. Holmbom METHOD:PUBLISH BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20260421T134500 DTEND:20260421T151500 DTSTAMP:20260421T134500 UID:2026/phd-defence-m-holmbom@8F96275E-9F55-4B3F-A143-836282E12573 CREATED:20260412T094849 LOCATION:(1st floor) Auditorium, Main building De Boelelaan 1105 1081 HV Amsterdam SUMMARY:PhD defence M. Holmbom X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:

A Theological Retrieval of Stephen Charnock's Discourse of Divine Holiness

W hat God’s holiness reveals about evil

The research by theologian Markus Holmbom shows that God’s holiness is more than a moral concept. By revisiting the work of seventeenth-century theol ogian Stephen Charnock, he offers a new theological perspective on Go d’s nature and the problem of evil.

‘Holiness is often trea ted in theology primarily as a moral concept: God’s perfect goodnes s. My research argues that holiness is also an ontological category, meaning that it expresses something about God’s very being,’ says Holmbom.

By analysing Charnock’s writings in their historica l context and developing his ideas theologically, Holmbom argues that holiness refers not only to God’s moral perfection, but also to so mething deeper about who God is.

‘Holiness expresses God’s unique way of being: the fullness of God’s life that is entirely di stinct from everything else and not dependent on anything outside him self,’ he explains. ‘This helps to explain how Christians can spe ak of God as both one and yet marked by distinction within God’s ow n life. It also sheds light on how God’s glory is revealed and unde rstood through his holiness.’

Problem of evil
The research also addresses the problem of evil. ‘Evil does no t come from God, but its existence can still be understood in relatio n to the way God ultimately reveals the fullness of his holiness and glory,’ says Holmbom.

Practical Relevance
Holmbom’s research brings together historical and contemporary the ological thought with a coherent biblical account of holiness. Accord ing to him, this also has practical implications.
‘It can help Christians understand holiness not only in moral terms, but as reflec ting God’s distinct, life-giving character in everyday life. That m akes the study relevant not only for theologians, but also for pastor s, teachers and anyone interested in spiritual formation, preaching a nd personal reflection.’

More information on the thesis

DESCRIPTION:

What God’s holiness reveals about evil

The research by theologian Markus Holmbom shows that God’ s holiness is more than a moral concept. By revisiting the work of se venteenth-century theologian Stephen Charnock, he offers a new theolo gical perspective on God’s nature and the problem of evil. ‘Holin ess is often treated in theology primarily as a moral concept: God’ s perfect goodness. My research argues that holiness is also an ontol ogical category, meaning that it expresses something about God’s ve ry being,’ says Holmbom. By analysing Charnock’s writings in thei r historical context and developing his ideas theologically, Holmbom argues that holiness refers not only to God’s moral perfection, but also to something deeper about who God is. ‘Holiness expresses God ’s unique way of being: the fullness of God’s life that is entire ly distinct from everything else and not dependent on anything outsid e himself,’ he explains. ‘This helps to explain how Christians ca n speak of God as both one and yet marked by distinction within God� �s own life. It also sheds light on how God’s glory is revealed and understood through his holiness.’ Problem of evil
The research also addresses the problem of evil. ‘Evil does not come from God, but its existence can still be understood in relation to the way God ultimately reveals the fullness of his holiness and g lory,’ says Holmbom. Practical Relevance
Holmbo m’s research brings together historical and contemporary theologica l thought with a coherent biblical account of holiness. According to him, this also has practical implications.
‘It can help Christi ans understand holiness not only in moral terms, but as reflecting Go d’s distinct, life-giving character in everyday life. That makes th e study relevant not only for theologians, but also for pastors, teac hers and anyone interested in spiritual formation, preaching and pers onal reflection.’ More information on the thesis A Theologi cal Retrieval of Stephen Charnock's Discourse of Divine Holiness END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR