The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship

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The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship

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Overview

Robert Letham’s award-winning The Holy Trinity receives a well-considered update in this revised and expanded new edition. Letham examines the doctrine of the Trinity’s biblical foundations and traces its historical development through the twentieth century before engaging four critical issues: the Trinity and (1) the incarnation, (2) worship and prayer, (3) creation and missions, and (4) persons. The new edition addresses developments in Augustine studies, teaching on the Trinity and election in Barth studies, and contemporary evangelical disputes on the relation of the Son to the Father.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781629953779
Publisher:	Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing
Publication date:	11/01/2019
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	696
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Robert Letham (MAR, ThM, Westminster Theological Seminary; PhD, Aberdeen University) is senior research fellow at Union School of Theology and the author of a number of books, including The Holy Trinity, The Holy Spirit, and Union with Christ.

Foreword Sinclair B. Ferguson ix

Preface to the First Edition xv

Preface to the Revised and Expanded Edition xix

Abbreviations xxiii

Introduction xxvii

Part 1 Biblical Foundations

1 Old Testament Background 3

2 Jesus and the Father 25

3 The Holy Spirit and Triadic Patterns 47

Excursus: Ternary Patterns in Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 71

Part 2 Historical Development

4 Early Trinitarianism 87

5 The Arian Controversy 109

6 Athanasius 131

7 The Cappadocians 153

8 The Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381) 179

9 Augustine 209

10 East and West: The Filioque Controversy 229

11 East and West: The Paths Diverge 253

12 John Calvin (1509-64) 293

Excursus: A Post-Reformation Development 313

Part 3 Modern Discussion

13 Karl Barth (1886-1968) 327

14 Rahner, Moltmann, and Pannenberg 355

15 Under Eastern Eyes: Bulgakov, Lossky, and Staniloae 391

16 Thomas F. Torrance (1913-2007) 429

Part 4 Critical Issues

17 The Trinity and the Incarnation 451

18 The Trinity, Worship, and Prayer 493

19 The Trinity, Creation, and Missions 515

20 The Trinity and Persons 553

Glossary 577

Bibliography 587

Index of Scripture 625

Index of Subjects and Names 633

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Editorial Reviews

In this carefully constructed second edition of his important book on the Trinity, Robert Letham forcefully and convincingly demonstrates exactly why the classical doctrine of the Trinity, rightly understood, is indispensable not only for all aspects of theology but for ecumenical agreement today. Especially interesting and helpful for students and scholars alike are his analysis and critique, when appropriate, of a variety of prominent contemporary theologians from the West (Barth, Rahner, Moltmann, Pannenberg, T. F. Torrance) and the East (Bulgakov, Lossky, Staniloae) with his perceptive arguments against panentheist views that collapse the immanent into the economic Trinity and dualist views that separate God from us.

Paul D. Molnar

Those of us who read the first edition were struck by Letham’s mastery of the historical narrative of Trinitarian theology. Given recent discussion on subordinationism, the newly written introduction alone is justification for purchasing the updated version. The book is evidence of how far short we fall of the erudite discussions of the Trinity in the early church, and how seriously close to ‘another religion’ we come when defending the doctrine today.

Derek W.H. Thomas

Robert Letham’s second edition is to be welcomed as a sound guide to biblical, historical, theological aspects of Trinitarian doctrine, and a guide to contributions, dangers, and deviations in contemporary discussions of the Trinity.

Vern S. Poythress

It gives me great pleasure to commend this revised edition of Robert Letham’s Holy Trinity. His Trinitarian theology is always exegetical; he carefully opens the relevant biblical texts and lets them tell us what God says about himself as one God in three distinct persons, in both Old and New Testaments. Letham’s interaction with the great theological tradition of the Christian church, both East and West, models the best historical theology with fairness and clarity, and should be a massive resource for both the academy and the working pastorate. I particularly appreciated his chapters ‘East and West’ (10 and 11); ‘John Calvin’ (12); ‘Under Eastern Eyes’ (15), and ‘Thomas F. Torrance’ (16). Much to recommend throughout!

Douglas F. Kelly

The doctrine of the Trinity demands the careful study of biblical exegesis, historical theology, Christian orthodoxy and heresy, interdenominational differences and discussions, systematic theology, and practical implications. Robert Letham’s outstanding book (this substantially updated and expanded version is even better than the first) covers all the bases well, and yet still leaves us in awe of the incomprehensible mystery of our triune God.

In this updated and refined version of his widely read book, Robert Letham enriches his biblical treatment of the Trinity, broadens his treatment of historical figures, and extends his discussion to include recent debate. The Holy Trinity defends and deepens the church’s doctrine of God. Read it, and you will be provoked to thought and prayer.

Chad Van Dixhoorn

This is a very solid, well-reasoned, and well-researched volume on the doctrine of the Trinity. Letham is a master of historical theology. He brings his immense learning to bear on many contemporary Trinitarian issues in an astute and compelling way. Anyone who reads this work will be greatly informed and enriched.

George Hunsinger

Letham’s widely acclaimed study of the doctrine of the Trinity is a model of theological reflection as it ought to be conducted. All the indispensable features of a proper theological method are on open display throughout—attention to scriptural foundations, sympathetic engagement with the historic creeds and confessions of the church, collegial conversation with the best theologians in the history of the Eastern and Western churches, and a desire to see the doctrine of the Trinity more profoundly inform the church’s worship. Considering the complexities of Trinitarian debates, Letham manages to treat the subject with remarkable clarity and insight. Though much contemporary writing on controversial topics is often marred by an excess or an absence of conviction, Letham strikes a good balance. He clearly and resolutely makes his case for a more robust and consistent Trinitarian doctrine and practice in the church. But he does so without caricaturing the positions of those with whom he differs, while remaining resolute in defending the position he embraces. Since Letham’s study is arguably among the finest introductions to the doctrine of the Trinity available today, its republication in revised form is a most welcome development.

Cornelis P. Venema

This update of what is already a standard work is a real bonus. It is also a tribute to Dr. Letham’s love for his subject that he didn’t let go of it when he finished what must have been a very demanding first edition. This new volume, marked by the same careful exegesis, rigorous historical scholarship, catholicity of spirit, and sustained reverence, will remain, even to dog-ears, the favorite companion of all serious students of the doctrine of the Trinity.

Donald Macleod

When people ask me to recommend a good book on the Trinity, I start with a couple of short books designed mainly for devotional and motivational effects. But when I discern that they’re ready to take the next step into the subject and can handle a bigger book with more exegetical depth, more historical scope, and a fair discussion of this doctrine’s range of views, I always point to Letham’s The Holy Trinity. This second edition ensures that I can continue sending students to Letham for helpful guidance and confident teaching about this central doctrine.

Fred Sanders

It is a pleasure to recommend the second edition of Bob Letham’s The Holy Trinity. This ancient doctrine has stirred up new discussion since his acclaimed first edition, but the author has kept up with what has been going on. So I suppose it is fair to say that this augmented text does not contain the author’s last word on this fundamental Christian mystery, but he has given his readers his latest word. In it, Letham continues to display more of his learning and more of his characteristic watchfulness when met by the latest Trinitarian neologisms and analogies.

Paul Helm

The doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation stone of a distinctively Christian theology, and interest in it continues to grow. In this revised version of his earlier study, Bob Letham takes us through its many aspects, including the controversies that have surrounded it, and guides us to an understanding based on Scripture, faithful to the orthodox tradition and sensitive to today’s needs. Essential reading for us all.

Gerald Bray

The doctrine of the Trinity demands the careful study of biblical exegesis, historical theology, Christian orthodoxy and heresy, interdenominational differences and discussions, systematic theology, and practical implications. Robert Letham’s outstanding book (this substantially updated and expanded version is even better than the first) covers all the bases well, and yet still leaves us in awe of the incomprehensible mystery of our triune God.

Joel R. Beeke

This book is complex and simple, deep and accessible. There is a reason why the first edition received so much acclaim. Over the past decade, it has shaped my thinking on the Trinity in more ways than I often realize. Even when I find myself reacting to some nuanced arguments related to Eastern versus Western thought, I have often been surprised that my reactions can be somehow traced back to this book. Whether we agree or disagree with all of the author’s points, this is a great book because it has a way of arresting our attention, refusing to let us ignore it. While this second edition could use a lot more updating in light of recent research, it remains as readable, interesting, and helpful as ever.

Ryan M. McGraw

Robert Letham’s second edition is to be welcomed as a sound guide to biblical, historical, theological aspects of Trinitarian doctrine, and a guide to contributions, dangers, and deviations in contemporary discussions of the Trinity.

Vern Poythress

The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship

The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship

Paperback(Revised)

Paperback(Revised)

Related collections and offers

Overview

Product Details

About the Author

Table of Contents

Customer Reviews

Related collections and offers

Overview

Product Details

About the Author

Table of Contents

Related Subjects

Customer Reviews