This new edition of Robert Letham’s “The Holy Trinity,” expands his teaching on Augustine, Barth, East-West relations, and most intriguingly, the 2016 blog dispute as it concerns the relation of the Son to the Father. As Paul Helm’s endorsement reads, “The ancient doctrine of the Trinity has stirred up new discussion since Letham’s acclaimed first edition, but the author has kept up with what has been going on...” and that is clear by his erudite critiques of both sides of the debate. As Letham writes, “I have been cited in support of both sides, and of no side...I will attempt to depersonalize the matter and discuss the arguments.” I personally found his doctrine on this topic and advice toward the two main parties in the debate, to be balanced and very helpful, and was happy to see endorsements from Sinclair Ferguson (who writes the foreword), Joel Beeke, and Derek Thomas, among others.
In this review, while the entire book deserves its own review, I wish to here provide a synopsis for Letham’s mediating position on the Trinity in regards to the ongoing debate between Classical Theism and EFS (eternal functional subordinationism) found in Chapter 17. As I have not seen this aspect of the Revised Version discussed or treated in-depth yet, I hope this review of Letham’s thoughts and theology of the matter brings illumination to this rather controversial discussion.
In summary, Letham, while unfolding his doctrine of the Trinity, simultaneously discloses cautions and corrections towards both sides of the trinitarian debate. He emphasizes the main danger of “one side” (He never refers to Classical Theism directly) having the tendency toward Nestorianism, while emphasizing the main danger on the other side is de-emphasizing the importance of eternal generation, and making the Persons out to have separate autonomous wills, which would indicate tritheism, another untenable option. To expand upon this summary, I hope to briefly explain six main points I found Letham raises, either explicitly or implicitly in regards to Classical Theism. Then, I will conclude with summarizing six main points he raises against claims made from the other side, to in the end arrive at a more holistic doctrine of the Trinity.
Oneness and Threeness as Equally Ultimate
First, in regards to the dangers of the “one side,” Letham begins by emphasizing the importance that we not view God’s oneness as pre-eminent over His threeness. After quoting Gregory of Nazianzus, Letham writes “Gregory points to the danger of building our doctrine of the Trinity either on the one being of God in isolation, or on the three persons (or any one of them) in isolation (452)...Distinctness and particularity, union and communion—both are equally ultimate and equally necessary” (453). This balance serves as the foundation out of which the rest of the chapter flows.
Congruity between the Human and the Divine
Second, in defending against the error of Nestorianism, Letham emphasizes the importance of there being congruity between the humanity of Christ and Christ ad intra, writing, “the relations of the Persons ad extra in creation, providence and grace, reflect the order and relations of the persons ad intra” (470), and that “The missions of the Son and the Spirit in history, in which all three hypostases are inseparably involved, mirror these eternal relations; the Father sends the Son, never vice versa, and so on” (460). He further asserts, “The claim that Christ’s human obedience is connected to, and congruous with, the eternal hypostatic relations is no novelty” (483). In this, he references Berkouwer, Bavinck, Bromiley, Barth, Ranger, Thompson, and Lossky in citation. Furthermore, He points out how “Barth castigates this refusal to see Christ’s obedience as grounded in his being as the Son as modalism” (482). He adds, “it was appropriate, indeed necessary, that it be the Son who became incarnate,” which further lends to his argument of congruity (474). Such congruity between his humanity, his personhood, and God, means “All the actions of Jesus of Nazareth were actions of the incarnate Son, whether according to his deity or humanity” (474).
Inseparable Operations & Real Personal Works
Third, Letham writes, “The three persons of the Trinity are not simply subsistent relations is demonstrated by the incarnation” (459). And in the same vein he says, “the incarnation is more than the appropriation of a particular work to a particular person. It is a personal work of the Son, who remains forever in union with his humanity, in a way that the Father and the Spirit are not” (472). Letham is aiming to show how the Persons of God are deeply personal and uniquely characterized beyond just their relation of origin, and how the doctrine of inseparable operations does not negate the presence of real personal works, specifically that of Christ and his Cross-work.
Dynamic Ad Intra Communion
Fourth, he repeatedly notes the importance that we view the imminent life and love of God as that of a dynamic and living communion with movement. In support of this “dynamic Perichoresis,” he references Epiphanius, Cyril of Alexandria, Athanasius, and Gregory of Nazianzus (439), and appeals to how, “Jesus’ prayers to the Father reveal a living, dynamic relation, a vital Union and communion” (472).
The True and Personal Revelation of God’s Genuine Being in Christ
Fifth, he underlines the genuineness of God’s revelation. He writes, “We can trust that the way he has made himself known in history corresponds with who he is eternally (470)...there is no surplus, no hidden element lurking behind his revelation in Christ...We must assert that God’s revelation is utterly true; if that were not so, we could have no sure knowledge of him, and there would be no gospel” (471). Summarizing Barth, Letham writes, “In stark contrast, this modalistic view, as Barth says, presents us with a Christ whose proper being remains hidden behind an improper being, an “as if”” (482). Letham thus concludes the true and genuine revelation of Jesus Christ must be safeguarded.
No One Side has Claim to Orthodoxy
Last, he points out the quickness of both sides to accuse heresy, and claim sole orthodox rights. He helpfully illuminates, “Whereas Arius and Eunomius held that the Son was of a different being from the Father, and was created, this recent proposal entails that he is inferior in status or function, so the argument runs. The opponents consider that it amounts to the same thing as the Arian heresy. In their eyes, all forms of subordination are to be condemned. Both sides miss the point that the fourth-century situation was muddled, with a range of proposals on the table, much misunderstanding, and constantly shifting alliances” (462). Furthermore, the use of the term subordination to describe eternal realities is not a new invention. In fact, Letham notes an eternal submissiveness of the Son suggested by Berkouwer as “deriving from the depth of the Trinitarian being of God” (483), Berkouwer citing Bavinck in support. Letham also interacts with Charles Hodge’s positive statements on the Son’s subordination, and refers to how Muller notes that “Calvin and many of the reformed wrote of a certain subordination of hypostases” (466). To this end, Letham says the historic use of subordination language in connection with the eternal generation of the Son and relations of the Persons is unfortunate, yet a present reality. He last admonishes, “While they have shown Barth’s proposal that the Son is obedient in eternity to be highly suspect, it is noteworthy that neither Torrance nor Molnar accuses him of being a heretic. Both looked to Barth as a great thinker who had huge influence over them. This is something for lesser men and women to bear in mind” (484).
Indivisible Essence and Inseparable Operations
To balance the other side now, first, Letham maintains the necessity of God’s indivisible essence and inseparable operations. This is an important point to Letham, and an emphasis he says is found in Augustine as well. Letham writes, “the indivisible will of God is expressed in hypostatically distinct ways” (457), while at the same time, “The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit determine all of God’s decrees and purposes indivisibly” (457). Thus, “it follows that God has but one will, or else, with three volitional centers, there would be three Gods. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit determine all of God’s decrees and purposes indivisibly” (457).
The Father as Source—Order, not Hierarchy
Second, Letham’s main problem with subordinationism, or submission in the immanent Trinity, is the language implies a rank, hierarchy, or chain of command in the being of God. It construes the idea of one submitting to the will of another that is not one’s own, which on its surface denies the doctrine of God’s one indivisible will. “Subordination proper,” Letham writes, “posits the erroneous belief that the Son is somehow less than the Father” (485). Furthermore, much of the logic used to arrive at their conclusion “has run from human realities to divine, which was the method used by the Eunomians in the fourth century and rejected by the church” (462). Rather, Letham argues, we ought to follow Calvin in this matter, who without using the term subordination or implying it, “writes of a clear hypostatic order in which the Father is the source...the beginning and fountainhead of the whole divinity” (465). Saying the Father is source, implies order, not rank, for “The Pro-Nicenes used the word (taxis) in the sense of a fitting and suitable disposition, not a hierarchy” (484). Letham argues the language of the Father as source can readily replace the language of subordination and retain the orthodox meaning with no problem (466).
Emphasis on Eternal Generation
Third, Letham notes how Orthodox theologians “have generally been careful to restrict subordination to the hypostatic relations, while strongly affirming the indivisible will, eternal generation, and procession.” This de-emphasis of eternal generation is dangerous, and Letham shows disagreement with John Frame’s perspective that eternal generation should not be made a test of orthodoxy (462).
Not Three Separate Wills, but One Will Hypostatically Manifested Three Distinct Ways
Fourth, “the talk of separate wills implies tritheism” (463). Letham emphasizes how our language regarding will should not be that of separate autonomous wills working together like a family, but should be articulated, with John Owen’s help, as the one will of God, distinctly or particularly expressed/manifested amongst the three Persons (457, 463).
Scripture-deduced Inference vs. Proof-text
Fifth, the rebutting cry for proof texts is eerily familiar. Letham writes, “the requirement of explicit proof-texts from Scripture has been the cry of heretics down through the years. This is what the Eunomians and pneumatomachii required” (464). It might be beneficial thus, to keep the debate more centered along what’s good and necessary consequence deduced from Scripture (WCF 1.6), rather than demanding explicit proof texts.
A Love Inspired Kenosis
Lastly, if the Son’s human obedience is the fruit of some eternal condition in His Person, Letham posits it be the Son’s uniquely ready and receptive Love for the Father. That way, The Son’s eternal Love, not subordination, serves as the eternal ground for the Son’s kenosis (487).
Much like how Elihu came in at the end of the debacle between Job and his friends, and gave a more balanced critique after he could listen no longer, Robert Letham‘s response is impactful and reminiscent of such wisdom. His treatment on the Trinity I believe to be wise, balanced, and helpful to this otherwise heated, and narrow-sighted controversy. Letham finishes his chapter with questions for reflection, the first being “Why is subordinationism dangerous?” And the second, “Consider problems associated with isolating the incarnate Christ from the eternal Son?” Very good questions to ask to prevent us all from serious error, and to instead strike that middle chord of truth as we search for a thoroughly biblical Trinitarianism.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Similar items that may ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the Publisher
Contents
Part 1: Biblical Foundations
1. Old Testament Background 2. Jesus and the Father 3. The Holy Spirit and Triadic Patterns — Excursus: Ternary Patterns in Paul’s Letter to the
Ephesians
Part 2: Historical Development
4. Early Trinitarianism 5. The Arian Controversy 6. Athanasius 7. The Cappadocians 8. The Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381) 9. Augustine 10. East and West: The Filioque Controversy 11. East and West: The Paths Diverge 12. John Calvin (1509–64) — Excursus: A Post-Reformation Development
Part 3: Modern Discussion
13. Karl Barth (1886–1968) 14. Rahner, Moltmann, and Pannenberg 15. Under Eastern Eyes: Bulgakov, Lossky, and Staniloae 16. Thomas F. Torrance (1913–2007)
Part 4: Critical Issues
17. The Trinity and the Incarnation 18. The Trinity, Worship, and Prayer 19. The Trinity, Creation, and Missions 20. The Trinity and Persons
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
A Doctrinal and Academic Defense of the Holy Trinity
The doctrine of The Holy Trinity is foundational to understanding Scripture and supporting you in faith. Robert Letham’s The Holy Trinity - In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship is a definitive work and worth serious studying.ScriptureAuthor Robert Letham is professor systematic and historical theology at Union School of Theology in Bridgend, Wales. He writes with academic rigor and clarity. When reading his words, you can sense his passion for and adoration of The Holy Trinity.The 600+ page book is divided into 4 parts. Part 1 examines the Biblical foundations for The Holy Trinity. Part 2 discusses major historical developments on the subject. Part 3 makes way for modern discussion. And Part 4 tackles the critical issues.HistoryStandout chapters include Chapter 5: The Arian Controversy, Chapter 6: Athanasius, Chapter 9: Augustine, and Chapter 12: John Calvin (1509-64). Letham is scholarly in his treatment of the Reformation period, and he shows how the times influenced the theological understandings.Two excursus sections are worth mentioning. First is an excursus on Ternary Patterns in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Letham shows how the book of Ephesians showcases the Trinity in the plan of salvation, the knowledge of God, and the role in the Church. Second is an excursus on A Post-Reformation Development. This section tackles the pactum salutis or covenant of redemption and the indivisibility of the Trinity.TheologyEach chapter ends with key terms, questions for reflection, and recommendations for further reading. A glossary, bibliography, index of Scripture, and index of subjects and names are also included. These resources make this book a valuable reference tool.As a worship leader and Sunday School teacher, I was most impacted by Chapter 18: The Trinity, Worship, and Prayer. Letham launches with the statement that the Western Church has neglected the Trinity. He proclaims that Christian worship is distinctively Trinitarian, and he proves his points in Ephesians 2:18 and John 4:23-24.WorshipThis is a doctrinal book and academic defense of the Holy Trinity. It is thorough yet succinct. The original was a definitive and landmark work, and this revised and expanded edition is excellently executed. It will prove to be a rewarding read, fruitful when studied, and it will move you to worship our triune God.I was provided a free copy of The Holy Trinity - In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship but was not required to write a positive review.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2020
Scripture
Author Robert Letham is professor systematic and historical theology at Union School of Theology in Bridgend, Wales. He writes with academic rigor and clarity. When reading his words, you can sense his passion for and adoration of The Holy Trinity.
The 600+ page book is divided into 4 parts. Part 1 examines the Biblical foundations for The Holy Trinity. Part 2 discusses major historical developments on the subject. Part 3 makes way for modern discussion. And Part 4 tackles the critical issues.
History
Standout chapters include Chapter 5: The Arian Controversy, Chapter 6: Athanasius, Chapter 9: Augustine, and Chapter 12: John Calvin (1509-64). Letham is scholarly in his treatment of the Reformation period, and he shows how the times influenced the theological understandings.
Two excursus sections are worth mentioning. First is an excursus on Ternary Patterns in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Letham shows how the book of Ephesians showcases the Trinity in the plan of salvation, the knowledge of God, and the role in the Church. Second is an excursus on A Post-Reformation Development. This section tackles the pactum salutis or covenant of redemption and the indivisibility of the Trinity.
Theology
Each chapter ends with key terms, questions for reflection, and recommendations for further reading. A glossary, bibliography, index of Scripture, and index of subjects and names are also included. These resources make this book a valuable reference tool.
As a worship leader and Sunday School teacher, I was most impacted by Chapter 18: The Trinity, Worship, and Prayer. Letham launches with the statement that the Western Church has neglected the Trinity. He proclaims that Christian worship is distinctively Trinitarian, and he proves his points in Ephesians 2:18 and John 4:23-24.
Worship
This is a doctrinal book and academic defense of the Holy Trinity. It is thorough yet succinct. The original was a definitive and landmark work, and this revised and expanded edition is excellently executed. It will prove to be a rewarding read, fruitful when studied, and it will move you to worship our triune God.
I was provided a free copy of The Holy Trinity - In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship but was not required to write a positive review.
A Doctrinal and Academic Defense of the Holy Trinity
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2020
The doctrine of The Holy Trinity is foundational to understanding Scripture and supporting you in faith. Robert Letham’s The Holy Trinity - In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship is a definitive work and worth serious studying.Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2020
Scripture
Author Robert Letham is professor systematic and historical theology at Union School of Theology in Bridgend, Wales. He writes with academic rigor and clarity. When reading his words, you can sense his passion for and adoration of The Holy Trinity.
The 600+ page book is divided into 4 parts. Part 1 examines the Biblical foundations for The Holy Trinity. Part 2 discusses major historical developments on the subject. Part 3 makes way for modern discussion. And Part 4 tackles the critical issues.
History
Standout chapters include Chapter 5: The Arian Controversy, Chapter 6: Athanasius, Chapter 9: Augustine, and Chapter 12: John Calvin (1509-64). Letham is scholarly in his treatment of the Reformation period, and he shows how the times influenced the theological understandings.
Two excursus sections are worth mentioning. First is an excursus on Ternary Patterns in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Letham shows how the book of Ephesians showcases the Trinity in the plan of salvation, the knowledge of God, and the role in the Church. Second is an excursus on A Post-Reformation Development. This section tackles the pactum salutis or covenant of redemption and the indivisibility of the Trinity.
Theology
Each chapter ends with key terms, questions for reflection, and recommendations for further reading. A glossary, bibliography, index of Scripture, and index of subjects and names are also included. These resources make this book a valuable reference tool.
As a worship leader and Sunday School teacher, I was most impacted by Chapter 18: The Trinity, Worship, and Prayer. Letham launches with the statement that the Western Church has neglected the Trinity. He proclaims that Christian worship is distinctively Trinitarian, and he proves his points in Ephesians 2:18 and John 4:23-24.
Worship
This is a doctrinal book and academic defense of the Holy Trinity. It is thorough yet succinct. The original was a definitive and landmark work, and this revised and expanded edition is excellently executed. It will prove to be a rewarding read, fruitful when studied, and it will move you to worship our triune God.
I was provided a free copy of The Holy Trinity - In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship but was not required to write a positive review.
Images in this review
