How might the formal Christian doctrine of the Trinity make a real concrete difference in the lives of individuals and in the life of the church? This book proposes there are two parts to answering this important but elusive question. In the first place, how on earth did the Early Church actually reach its conclusions about this understanding of God, and why? What's the real point behind their endeavors? How might we apprehend what is otherwise sheer mystification--or even nonsense in some people's minds? Arising out of the answers to such questions, we can secondly construct an appropriately simple model of the Trinity. By means of this model, we can understand with sufficient justice the ways the triune God has come among us in our human history, ways that are still ongoing today. For the proposed model allows us to begin to appreciate the true mystery of the Christian Faith, while also making a practical difference to the lives of Christian discipleship, in prayer, worship, and mission. ""As one reads this book they must do so with the following image in their mind: that of the author, Bryden Black, an Oxford trained theologian and Anglican priest, smiling gregariously, eyes twinkling mischievously as one who knows more than he often lets on, a heart aching for God's people. . . . Black's guide to that most marvelous and mysterious doctrine of all--the triune God--will warm the hearts and feed the intellect of all who take up and read it."" --Myk Habets, Lecturer of Systematic Theology, Carey Baptist College, New Zealand ""Bryden Black here offers a fresh and thoroughly engaging account of the doctrine of the Trinity. This book will help you to discover that the Church's confession of God as Father, Son, and Spirit arises from its recognition of the breadth, and depth, and the height of God's creative and redemptive love. To put it otherwise, the Trinity lies at the heart of the good news. Take up and read "" --Murray Rae, Professor, Department of Theology and Religion, University of Otago, New Zealand ""If our chief end as human creatures is to glorify God and enjoy God forever, nothing is more important than the knowledge of who God actually is. To many Christians, the theology of the Trinity remains a matter of remote theory rather than living appreciation. Clearly, creatively, and with pastoral wisdom, Black explains how this doctrine came to be the church's confession, and why it continues to matter for Christian faith today."" --Ivor J. Davidson, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, University of St. Andrews, Scotland A. Bryden Black is an Anglican priest in the Diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand. His time is divided between commercial farming and ministering in a large parish in the city, with some formal theological teaching as well. His interests mean his life straddles the church, the academy, and the world, the fruit of which constantly seeks due integration in maturing Christian discipleship, for himself and others.
