Divine Lexicon

Term

cosmic exemplarism

Bonaventure's metaphysical system describing the process of created beings coming from God, reflecting him, and returning to him.

Filed underHistorical Theology

Definition

The sum total of metaphysics according to Bonaventure: emanation, exemplarity, and consummation. These three concepts describe a process in which created beings come forth from God, reflect and express him in their being, and return to him.

Connections

Follow this entry through the Lexicon.

Broader than

Sources

  1. 1.Leonard J. Bowman “Bonaventure on Cosmic Creation.” Eclectic OrthodoxyLinkOriginal citation: Leonard J. Bowman, "Bonaventure on Cosmic Creation," Eclectic Orthodoxy, accessed April 27, 2025, https://afkimel.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/bonaventure-on-cosmic-creation.pdf.

Last revised August 14, 2026