One of the more important developments in the field of theology in the past two decades has been a gradual but genuine revival of interest in the doctrine of the Trinity. This fundamental Christian doctrine had been neglected by theologians, who saw it as isolated from practical Christian faith and life. Recently, however, feminist and liberationist, as well as more traditional Catholic and Protestant theologians, have come to see the Trinity not as an abstract doctrine, but instead as dealing with the living and dynamic being and acts of God, and closely related to Jesus Christ and the resurrection as the mystery of salvation. This insight has in many ways become one of the central themes of contemporary theology. In this study, Irish Presbyterian theologian John Thompson provides a survey of the wide variety of modern thought on this important theme, examining the work of figures like Karl Barth, Karl Rahner, Wolfhart Pannenberg, and Jurgen Moltmann, and their views on such
issues as the relationship of the trinitarian doctrine to Scripture, the Church, philosophy, politics, and society.
Industry Reviews
"A superlative summary and analysis of the current state of Trinitarian theology. Fair; balanced; insightful; appropriately critical. Highly recommended."--Wayne C. Stumme, Trinity Lutheran Seminary
"Excellent interdenominational summaries of a critical focus in Christian theology."--Stephen G. Gruber, Creighton University
"Probably the most balanced book on the topic available."--William M. Thompson, Duquesne University
"A welcomed text that provides students with a synthesis of patristic and historical theological development in the context of contemporary theological writing."--Mark A. Latcovich, St. Mary Seminary, Ohio
"Provides a very helpful analysis and overview of recent theological reflection on the Trinity. In doing so it provides a useful link between classical expressions of Trinitarian theology and that of more recent work."--Pete Gathje, Kalamazoo College
"A superlative summary and analysis of the current state of Trinitarian theology. Fair; balanced; insightful; appropriately critical. Highly recommended."--Wayne C. Stumme, Trinity Lutheran Seminary
"Excellent interdenominational summaries of a critical focus in Christian theology."--Stephen G. Gruber, Creighton University
"Probably the most balanced book on the topic available."--William M. Thompson, Duquesne University
"A welcomed text that provides students with a synthesis of patristic and historical theological development in the context of contemporary theological writing."--Mark A. Latcovich, St. Mary Seminary, Ohio
"Provides a very helpful analysis and overview of recent theological reflection on the Trinity. In doing so it provides a useful link between classical expressions of Trinitarian theology and that of more recent work."--Pete Gathje, Kalamazoo College
"Impressive both in its breadth and its detail. Thompson has provided a thorough introduction to the whole range of issues taken up in the contemporary discussion of the Trinity debate. Thompson's overview will offer students and teachers of theology an indispensable aid for years to come."--Benjamin C. Leslie, North American Baptist Seminary
"An excellent summary of several major modern thinkers. Highly recommended."--Bruce R. Marino, Valley Forge Christian College
"Thompson's review, analysis and assessment of modern Trinitarian theologies are a very substantial contribution itself. So much deep thinking about the trinity has been published recently that the task of surveying, much less analyzing and assessing it, is daunting. Thompson's volume displays much erudition, balanced treatment and fair judgements."--Angelican Theological Review
"...a useful addition to the area of trinitarian study."--Journal of Ecumenical Studies
"...a rather thorough update on the state of Trinity doctrine."--Calvin Theological Journal