God in Three Persons: A Contemporary Interpretation of the Trinity

by Millard J. Erickson

This contemporary approach to basic doctrine offers a crucial tool for students who want comprehensive, consistent, logical theology. God in Three Persons will enhance undergraduate theological courses and has applications for graduate systematics and historical theology study.
Erickson surveys the background for today's debate, showing that modern controversies simply rephrase old arguments. At its core this book is a close study of Scripture, especially the key teachings of John's Gospel.
Erickson also considers whether belief in the Trinity is requisite to salvation, whether it makes any practical difference in the Christian worldview, and whether it is logical and intelligible. The book's contemporary statement of the Trinity doctrine sets forth and applies all biblical evidence to Christianity at large and worship and prayer in particular.

Genres: Theology

356 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

Millard J. Erickson (PhD, Northwestern University) has served as a pastor and seminary dean and has taught at several schools, including Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Western Seminary (Portland and San Jose), and Baylor University. He has also held numerous visiting professorships, both in the United States and internationally, and is the author of many books. Erickson lives in Mounds View, Minnesota.

Reviews

[G Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book. Not bad. This is considered my many to be a must read - I would not say that, but I do not regret reading it either. I don't know if it will ever be reprinted - but nowadays the edition I have is going upwards of $200... certainly NOT worth that by any means... Too abstract and philosophical for my taste coming from a mainstream evangelical position that does not have the depth to be so abstract or philosophical. Through the course of the book, he does raise some good and important questions though - but then never really come up with good solutions... Also, overall, I would say that this work (and his other works on the subject) lack adequate historical engagement. Would serve well as a primer - nothing more.

[Pedro Pamplona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pra quem já estuda a doutrina da Trindade há algum tempo esse não é um livro que vai te deixar fascinado. A parte três é a melhor, onde Erickson faz uma bom resumo e análises de diferentes visões de várias questão (bíblicas, filsóficas, lógica, sociais, estruturais) sobre a Trindade. Foi uma expansão dos meus horizontes teológicos trinitários. Gostei especialmente do capítulo em que ele fala sobre sua visão relacional e pericorética.

No mais, Erickson defende alguns pontos que eu discordo, como sua afirmação sobre hierarquia e subordinacionismo e uma defesa estranha (precisaria ler mais da opinião dele sobre isso) da não-masculinidade de Deus e da influência do patriarcalismo nessa formulação trinitário de Pai-Filho.

[Stephen Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erickson traces the historicity and development of one of the most important and significant doctrines of the Christian faith. The book is divided into three sections, which are as follows: The formulation of the doctrine of the Trinity; Problems concerning the doctrine of the Trinity; and A contemporary statement of the doctrine of the Trinity. At a time in history when the orthodox doctrines of Christianity are under considerable attack by cults and heretics, it would be wise for Christians to read books like this in order to sharpen their understanding of important doctrines like the Trinity. This was a good read.

[Mr S Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the Trinity as a starting point.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical treatment and contemporary engagement.

[Mike Mullen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adequate introduction to the Trinity as it has been expounded through the centuries. Erickson in the end makes judicious choices as to what this doctrine means.