A Must Read On The Trinity

[Iosias]

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RVF1ETP4L._AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Holy-Trinity-Scripture-History-Theology/dp/0875520006/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/203-4263486-0006318?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190233575&sr=8-1)

[Iron Sun 254]

Can you tell us a little bit about why it's an important book to read?

[Iosias]

Can you tell us a little bit about why it's an important book to read?

I am currently reading it on my commutes to university. The author, Robert Letham (M.A.R., Th.M., Westminster Theological Seminary; Ph.D., University of Aberdeen), is senior minister of Emmanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, Delaware.

He looks at the Trinity in Scripture, he then traces the historical development of the doctrine and that is as far as I have got.

Blurb:

When it comes to the doctrine of the Trinity, evangelicals have underachieved. In The Holy Trinity Robert Letham helps to redress this shortcoming. He offers a well-researched volume about “the One who is utterly transcendent and incomprehensible.” After examining the doctrine’s biblical foundations, the author traces its historical development through the twentieth century, and engages four critical issues: the Trinity and (1) the incarnation, (2) worship and prayer, (3) creation and missions, and (4) persons.

Reviews:

“There is no hotter topic in modern theology than the Trinity, and Robert Letham has given us a comprehensive guide that will stand us all in good stead. I recommend it highly.” —Gerald Bray

“In this outstanding work, Letham points us back to God in all the mystery and glory of his triune being. With his keen theological acumen, Letham has given us a tour de force of Reformed theology.” — Sinclair B. Ferguson

“Solid and judicious, comprehensive and thorough, abreast of past wisdom and present-day debate, and doxological in tone throughout, this is far and away the best big textbook on the Trinity that you can find, and it will surely remain so for many years to come.” — J. I. Packer

[Mary of Bethany]

Interesting - that same author is also putting out a book that is a "critique" of Orthodoxy from the Reformed pov. I would imagine he used a lot of Orthodox sources for this book.

Have you gotten far enough to share what he says Protestantism's shortcomings re the Holy Trinity are?

I know as a Baptist, the Holy Trinity was not really emphasized or talked about much, though it was certainly a bedrock belief. I heard a lot more about the Holy Trinity as an Anglican. Liturgy probably played a big part in that.

Mary

[Iosias]

Interesting - that same author is also putting out a book that is a "critique" of Orthodoxy from the Reformed pov. I would imagine he used a lot of Orthodox sources for this book.

Have you gotten far enough to share what he says Protestantism's shortcomings re the Holy Trinity are?

I know as a Baptist, the Holy Trinity was not really emphasized or talked about much, though it was certainly a bedrock belief. I heard a lot more about the Holy Trinity as an Anglican. Liturgy probably played a big part in that.

Mary

He touched on it briefly but that is still to come. He points out the differences between the Western and Eastern views and concludes each chapter with a prayer and many are EO. He also looks at some EO theologians and points out that many western Christians are almost modalists which the EO view protects against. If you have the cash it is well worth the purchase, stateside best here (http://www.monergismbooks.com/holytrinity0006.html).

You may like:
http://www.monergismbooks.com/easternorthodox2478.html - the one you refer to above ;)
http://www.monergismbooks.com/easternorthodox.html

[Iosias]

FYI: Here is an online article written by Letham entitled The Trinity, Worship and Prayer (http://www.opc.org/nh.html?article_id=367).

[Iosias]

...a "critique" of Orthodoxy from the Reformed pov.

Try this online article: A Calvinist Looks at Orthodoxy (http://www.opc.org/nh.html?article_id=375) by Jack D. Kinneer who trained at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary.

[Mary of Bethany]

Thanks for all the links, AV! I don't want to turn this into an "Orthodox" thread, so I'm not going to discuss them on here, but I'll take a look when I can. :thumbsup:

I didn't mean to hijack - I just saw the author's name and thought that was interesting.

Mary

[Iosias]

Thanks for all the links, AV! I don't want to turn this into an "Orthodox" thread, so I'm not going to discuss them on here, but I'll take a look when I can. :thumbsup:

I didn't mean to hijack - I just saw the author's name and thought that was interesting.

Mary

Glad to be of help :)