Customer Reviews

The Tripersonal God: Understanding and Interpreting the Trinity

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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.

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.

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

I highly recommend the book. O'Collins presents a thoughtful account on the theology of the Trinity. He provides a thorough examination on the historical development of Trinitarian thought by the church fathers. I especially enjoyed his last chapter entitled, "Images of the Trinity" as well as his epilogue. Moreover, he provides a handy glossary starting on page 204 for a quick reference for any unfamiliar terms. A must have for anyone interested in building their theological library. I found that Amazon.com offered the best price.

The book is very interesting, with a good systematic and fair assessment and presentation of the development of the Trinity, its historical basis, and current status today. The writing is accessible and is exactly what I was seeking. I myself do not believe in this conception of the Trinity, but am trying to understand it as best I can (which is difficult since even those who do believe in it are often at a loss). As such, the author does an excellent job of explaining and it is as comprehensible as a treatment of an incomprehensible God could be. I applaud him on his treatment of the subject, and recommend the book to any seeking to understand the classical Christian Trinity.