The Tripersonal God: Understanding and Interpreting the Trinity [Paperback]

Gerald O'Collins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1999

"Belief in the Trinity is at the heart of Christian faith and life," states eminent theologian, educator and author Gerald O'Collins. But many Christians have questions about what the Trinity is and why we believe in a Trinitarian God. Here, O'Collins explores the mystery of the Trinity in an academic, practical and prayerful way.

Writing in his characteristic clear and concise prose, O'Collins draws on three areas for reflection. First he examines the testimony to the tripersonal God in the Scriptures, both the Old Testament background and in the teachings of Paul and the gospel writers. Then he deals with patristic, conciliar and subsequent teaching about the Trinity. Finally, he looks at contemporary thinking on Trinitarian issues, including the personal existence of the Holy Spirit, naming the Trinity as Father, Son and Spirit, and images of the Trinity.

Highlights:

o A good, solid introduction to the Trinity, perfect for college courses. o The author has a wonderful reputation and name recognition. o The most up-to-date treatment of the Trinity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A solid introduction to trinitarian theology. -- Religious Studies Review

For those seeking a more mature knowledge of Christian faith, put this on your 'to read' list. -- Bergen Record (Hackensack, NJ)

O'Collins explores the mystery of the Trinity in an academic yet practical way. -- Bookviews (Theological Book Service)

O'Collins presents a complex topic clearly and in an inviting fashion. -- Catholic Library World

There is much in this book which would be useful to the student of the Bible, theology and church history. -- Australian Theological Book Review

“...its sampling of a selection of contemporary issues makes it a valuable resource book for students of theology.” -- Anvil, 2001

About the Author

Gerald O'Collins, SJ, is known throughout the world as a theologian and spiritual writer. He teaches at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and is the author of thirty-five previous books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press; 1st Ed. edition (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809138875
• ISBN-13: 978-0809138876
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #313,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding the Trinity, July 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Tripersonal God: Understanding and Interpreting the Trinity (Paperback)

Gerald O'Collins, S.J., is a professor at the Gregorian University in Rome and a prolific writer. He has over 30 books to his credit. Although it's a scholarly book and written for the serious student, this book has much good interesting material. In the first section he discusses the Scriptural Roots including the Old Testament background, history of Jesus , the Trinity according to Paul, and the Trinity in the witness of Luke, Matthew, Hebrews and John. The second section concerns historical developments.The Trinity before Nicaea, then until Constantinople I, on to Aquinas and finally our modern setting. In the third and final section O'Collins discusses the personal existence of the Holy Spirit in contemporary circles, Trinitarian persons and actions and concludes with naming the Trinity and images of the Trinity. He concludes with a hymn about the Trinity. An excellent glossary is available to assist us with terms we don't understand. Detailed numbered notes provides places we may go for more information. I would imagine this book has been used or is being used in classrooms somewhere. It contains so much valuable information.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Introductory Text for Trinitarian Theology, April 14, 2007

By 

Matthew K. Minerd "The Coding Catholic" (Herdon, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tripersonal God: Understanding and Interpreting the Trinity (Paperback)

An eminently accessible text, "The Tripersonal God" is a most excellent introductory exposition on Trinitarian theology which is a dialogue with the history of Trinitarian theology, from precursors in the Old Testament to contemporary questions. Much of the scriptural exegesis and systematizing is done in a very positivistic sense, taking details from what is directly said in scripture to build partial roots for Trinitarian Theology. As the text progresses through the conciliar period of the Church, much of the theology is presented in reaction to heretical definitions of the nature of God and His personhood. Perhaps the heart of the text is that section which discusses the fully-developed Trinitarian theology from St. Athanasias to St. Thomas Aquinas. In this section (as well as his closing chapters), O'Collins very directly discusses the central understanding of the Trinity ad extras well as ad intra.

If I could say that there is anything lacking in the text, I would say it is a conspicuous lack of material on post-Rennaisance Trinitarian theology and its strengths/weaknesses. However, this barely mars the text, for it is not meant to be a comprehensive reader but an introduction to the reality which lies at the heart of Christianity: "God is Love," a reality which is inseparable from the Trinity, a fact which O'Collins' text most definitely proclaims throughout. His astute analysis of the ad intra and ad extra realities of the Trinity make this text both enlightening and practical, for the union of praxis with the interpersonal love of the Trinity is most definitely proclaimed with force and ample reflection.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Tripersonal God: Understanding and Interpreting the Trinity, June 28, 2010

By 

Billie - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Tripersonal God: Understanding and Interpreting the Trinity (Paperback)

Excellent and easily readable source for a clear explanation of Trinitarian Theology! Very clear and enjoyable at the same time!