Kärlekens möjlighet : Skönlitterär gestaltning och teologisk reflektion hos François Mauriac och Lars Ahlin

Sammanfattning: In this thesis literary creation and theological reflection are studied thematically in three unique, but theologically connected novels by François Mauriac (1885–1970) and Lars Ahlin (1915–1997). At the same time more general questions are raised concerning the interaction between fiction and theology. The characters’/people’s relationships with each other and their relations to a possible god, as well as the interaction between these two relational spheres make up the focal point of the analysis. This is further discussed in relation to fundamental theological patterns of thought through the problematisation of two separate visions of love.The study makes use of a method in two stages, influenced by the philosopher Paul Ricœur. The method inspired by narratology, used in the first stage starts in the theories of Tzvetan Todorov and Gérard Genette. In the second stage texts from both theologians and philosophers (either explicitly or implicitly actualised in the novels) are used in order to broaden and deepen the understanding of the content of the novels: Martin Buber, John Macquarrie, Anders Nygren and St. Teresa of Avila, as well as a theological theoretical framework over impersonal and personal love, inspired by the thought of Vincent Brümmer. A concept of views of life serves as both reference and signpost throughout the analysis.In conclusion, the concept of creative silence is discussed, as is the issue of how the novels studied include implicit theological thoughts, at the same time as they avoid presenting (ready made) solutions. They insist instead on the reader’s own involvement and acceptance of responsibility in – and critical relation to – existential questions. From this suggestive silence continued theological reflections are initiated. They lead to a possible way of thinking around a functioning view of life today: to live with hope, but without certainty, of a reconciling love as an attitude to life.