"Making Sense of the Trinity"

The Trinity is one of the most difficult, mysterious, troublesome, yet crucial doctrines in Christianity.  Many have abandoned orthodoxy on this one central truth while others have rejected Christianity all together on this belief.  Any teacher or pastor has seen eyes glaze over or at least confusion on the face of fellow believers when trying to explain the Trinity.

In the helpful book, Making Sense of the Trinity: Three Crucial Questions by theologian Millard J. Erickson, the author seeks to help the reader understand the Trinity and why it matters.  The "Three Crucial Questions" series is a helpful series and I would recommend many of the other books in the series.  The three questions raised here are:

1.  Is the Doctrine of the Trinity Biblical?
2.  Does the Doctrine of the Trinity Make Sense?
3.  Does the Doctrine of the Trinity make Any Difference?

In response to each of these question, the author offers biblical, orthodox answers.  His discussion on the biblical basis of the Trinity was extremely helpful and made me look again at some of the texts I have overlooked.  Similarly, the question of why it matters (question 3) was helpful but could have been better.  The doctrine of the Trinity is hugely practical and I find myself explaining most Christian doctrines through the lens of the gospel and the Trinity.  Everything makes sense in Christian theology in light of the Trinity.

But overall, I would recommend this book even for those new to such issues.  If I were to recommend a book on the Trinity to Christians with little to no theologian experience, knowledge, or background, this would be one of them.


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Reviews - Reviews in Brief - The Trinity