With the publication of his two-volume Systematic Theology, Robert W. Jenson has established himself as a distinctive voice in Christian theology. In Trinity, Time, and Church leading scholars from around the world and from diverse faith traditions critically engage the major themes of Jenson's thought. These rich essays both celebrate Jenson's theological achievement and probe what some of the authors regard as the more contentious of his contributions.
The following dissertation concerning the Trinity, as the reader ought to be informed, has been written in order to guard against the sophistries of those who disdain to begin with faith, and are deceived by a crude and perverse love of reason. Now one class of such men endeavor to transfer to things incorporeal and spiritual the ideas they have formed, whether through experience of the bodily senses, or by natural human wit and diligent quickness, or by the aid of art, from things corporeal; so as to seek to measure and conceive of the former by the latter. Aeterna Press
What can the early church contribute to theology today? Donald Fairbairn takes us back to the biblical roots and central convictions of the early church, showing us what we have tended to overlook, especially in our understanding of God as Trinity, the person of Christ and the nature of our salvation as sharing in the Son's relationship to the Father.
Franz Dünzl gives an account of the formation of the doctrine of the Trinity in a narrative based on contemporary sources: as he remarks in the preface, he wants to describe the human struggle over the truth of the Christian image of God and as far as possible let the early Christians speak for themselves. His main concern is to describe the dynamic of the disputes over the theology of the Trinity in a vivid way which is easy to follow, pointing out the foundations of the doctrine and the decisive shifts in its development. He tries to see the often bitter discussion not as a barren dispute but as an evolutionary process in which the rivalry is a necessary and positive factor in moving the debate forward. After an introduction to the problem, the book describes the beginning of christology and the first models of the relationship between 'Father' and 'Son': it then describes the controversies leading up to the Council of Nicaea, which are discussed at length, going on to show how Nicaea didn't settle the question and continuing the account up to the Council of Constantinople in 381. It brings out the political influences which governed this second stage of the discussion in an illuminating way. A survey and bibliography round the book off.
Most people assume they know what they mean when they use the word “God.” They mean a powerful old guy in the sky ready to obliterate us if we do wrong but basically benevolent, if a little senile. The Christian doctrine of the Trinity shows us God is vastly more interesting. God is actually fleshed among us in Jesus, poured out on us in the Holy Spirit’s intoxication of the church. God is three divine persons in perfect harmony and beauty—and God invites us into that unimaginable intimacy. We don’t know this God, but we should. Trinity uses scripture, the Early Church tradition, and some modern theology to argue that God is a mystery whom we can’t understand but who can shape our misunderstanding to allow for faithful living and holy love of God and neighbor. “Jason Byassee thinks like a theologian, writes like a journalist, and communicates like a storyteller. We live in a time of trinitarian dissonance, when the central doctrine of the Christian faith is strangely neglected by most Christians. Byassee’s wonderful exploration of the Trinity offers a remedy for that by providing a meat-and-potatoes introduction to the God who is at once Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. An excellent spiritual guide for both mature Christians and those brand new to the Christian faith.” —Rev. Dr. Andrew C. Thompson, Assistant Professor of Historical Theology &Wesleyan Studies, Memphis Theological Seminary, Memphis, TN, and Wesley Scholar for the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church “In trying to communicate the trinitarian relationship, Byassee succeeds in making the indescribable a little more coherent while reminding us of the all-consuming love of God. Trinity is a little book of rigorous thought and deep devotion. It is rare these days to find a work of theology that stirs the intellect, the heart, and the spirit. And I have to admit, in reading this book, I fell in love with the Holy Spirit all over again." —Enuma Okoro, Nigerian-American writer, speaker, and award-winning author of Reluctant Pilgrim, Silence, and Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals
What if the Trinity we've been taught is not the Trinity of the Bible? In this groundbreaking book, Matthew Barrett reveals a shocking discovery: we have manipulated the Trinity, recreating the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our own image. With clarity and creativity, Barrett mines the Scriptures as well as the creeds and confessions of the faith to help you rediscover the beauty, simplicity, and majesty of our Triune God. You will be surprised to learn that what you believe about the Trinity has untold consequences for salvation and the Christian life. To truly know God, you must meet the One who is simply Trinity.
What can the early church contribute to theology today? Donald Fairbairn takes us back to the biblical roots and central convictions of the early church, showing us what we have tended to overlook, especially in our understanding of God as Trinity, the person of Christ and the nature of our salvation as sharing in the Son's relationship to the Father.
Understanding the Trinity is a revolution in Christian thought and philosophy. True Christianity is a Jewish religion established and organized by Jews. Gentiles were invited by Jews, with God's approval, to participate in the Christian movement. However, Gentile Leaders in most Christian Churches of the world today do not preach the original Christian gospel message of salvation that was first delivered to the saints by the apostle Paul (Galatians 1:8-9). "Understanding the Trinity, Three Persons vs Three Manifestations," will bring us back to the original gospel message, the oneness of God, and the power of God's name in the face of Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Luke 2:11). When Billy G. Newton, Bishop, Diocesan of the 29th Episcopal District, Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., Pastor of the Word of Church read this book, he said, "This book was so fascinating I couldn't put it down." When Kevin Seraaj, M.Div., J.D. Senior Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Publisher, Central Florida Advocate News read this book, he said, "Understanding the Trinity" is a timely, relevant and extremely provocative piece of work. In a time when the church must be challenged to move out of old ways, notions, thoughts and traditions, this book will without question provide a forum for much-needed theological discussion. For students of the Bible, this book is a must read, for it is always that process of reading, analyzing and debating that enables us to move forward in both our personal and spiritual journeys." Great job!! When Frank E. Thompson, Pastor of the Worship Center Church read the book, he said, "This book should be taught in colleges and universities." Author's Note: You have in your possession the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Don't let the birds steal your seeds (Matthew 13:3-13) (KJV).
Among Seventh-day Adventists the doctrine of the Trinity is often taken for granted. But increasingly it is opposed by a small minority who have retreated to the anti-Trinitarian position of the pioneers. In response the authors, each a specialist in his field, trace the doctrine of the Trinity through Scripture, church history, and the writings of Ellen G. White.; ; The first section surveys the biblical foundations of the doctrine and addresses objections that have been raised. Other sections trace the development of the doctrine in Christian history, in Adventist history, and in the writings of Ellen White. The authors explain why the doctrine was resisted by many of the leading pioneers.; ; The final section asks "So what?" It discusses the theological and practical implications of Trinitarian belief, worship, and practice, showing how it affects what we believe about salvation, atonement, the great controversy, and other significant doctrines. With glossaries, bibliography, and index, this comprehensive primer on the Trinity will shed new light on the central beliefs of Christianity, and show how God still leads His church into all truth. - Introduction; SECTION ONE--The Biblical Evidence for the Full Deity of Christ, the Personality of the Spirit, and the Unity and Oneness of the Godhead; Chapter 1: The Strongest Bible Evidence for the Trinity; Chapter 2: The Full and Eternal Deity of Christ: Part I--The New Testament Epistles, the Old; Testament, and the Gospels; Chapter 3: The Full and Eternal Deity of Christ: Part II--The Gospel of John; Chapter 4: The Personality and Deity of the Spirit and the Triune Oneness of the Godhead; Chapter 5: Trinitarian Evidences in the Book of Revelation; Chapter 6: Biblical Objections to the Trinity; Chapter 7: Logical Objections to the Trinity; SECTION TWO--The History of the Trinity Doctrine From A.D. 100 to A.D. 1500; SECTION THREE--Trinity and Anti-Trinitarianism From the Reformation to the Advent; Movement; SECTION FOUR--The Doctrine of the Trinity and Its Implications for Christian Thought and Practice; Index
As the Triune God created the world, so creation bears the signs of its Creator. This evocative book by an influential Christian thinker explores the pattern of mutual indwelling that characterizes the creation at every level. Traces of the Trinity appear in myriad ways in everyday life, from our relations with the world and our relationships with others to sexuality, time, language, music, ethics, and logic. This small book with a big idea--the Trinity as the Christian theory of everything--changes the way we view and think about the world and places demands on the way we live together in community.
