DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY WITH HIGHER DEGREE BY RESEARCH UNIVERSITY MEDAL

Jacqueline Helena Grace Service

Divine Self-Enrichment and Human Well-Being: A Systematic Theological Inquiry, with Special Reference to Development and Humanitarian Aid

Dr Service’s doctoral thesis explored one of the most intellectually challenging theological topics, the concept of the Trinity, on the basis of which she sought to provide a coherent theological rationale for other-oriented humanitarian aid. It is titled, ”

Through examination of the doctrine of the Trinity, Jacqueline’s thesis critiques the dominance of secular humanism in international development and provides an alternate paradigm for Christian rationale and praxis. The thesis locates principles for realising human well-being through the dynamism of Trinitarian relationality; where divine well-being is commensurate with kenosis. The thesis outlines the logic of “kenotic-enrichment” and its application for human well-being.

Two international examiners recommended that her thesis be passed without amendment, and her Australian examiner recommended that her thesis be passed subject to minor amendments (typographical corrections or suggested clarifications of expression).

At a conceptual level, all three examiners praised the thesis for its scholarly rigour, compositional design, cogent argumentation, and originality. At times, the examiners’ reports read as critiques of work by a scholarly peer. “This is one of the more intriguing and imaginative doctoral studies I have read in some years,” writes Professor Percy. “Painstakingly and ingeniously researched, precisely and appealingly designed, and skillfully argued from beginning to end” is Professor Clarke’s appraisal of the nominee’s thesis. And in the opinion of Professor Mostert, an expert on one of the theologians (Pannenberg) appraised in the thesis and a pedantic scholar himself, “this is an outstanding thesis, one of the best I have examined in the course of my academic work over several decades.”