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Life in the Trinity: An Introduction to Theology with the Help of the Church Fathers
What can the early church contribute to theology today? Although introductions to Christian theology often refer to its biblical foundations, seldom is much attention paid to the key insights the early church had into the nature of Christian faith and life. Donald Fairbairn takes us back to those biblical roots and to the central convictions of the early church, showing us what we have tended to overlook, especially in our understanding of God as Trinity, the person of Christ and the nature of our salvation as sharing in the Son's relationship to the Father. This book will prove useful to beginning theology students as well as advanced theologians who want to get at the heart of the Christian gospel.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2009
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November 18, 2025
Good book, gave a good introduction into the bigger picture in patristic thought. I also found his handeling of biblical texts valuable, showing the importance of john and especially the upper room discourse in patristic thought.
February 28, 2016
This book both said what I expected it to say what I had suspected for a long time--that being Trinitarian is what permits diversity within the church, which explains the power-relations within the Muslim religion.
But this book also has a lot that goes far, far beyond the expected. Fairbairn makes me see better, not only parts of scripture, but also the unity of the Church with the Fathers. He dissects our problems quite well and can make someone understand why terms like Homoousios are the life blood of the Church.
If I had a quibble, I might want a better wording than "personal relationship", but this book was so good, it demands that I rethink my thoughts on this issue.
But this book also has a lot that goes far, far beyond the expected. Fairbairn makes me see better, not only parts of scripture, but also the unity of the Church with the Fathers. He dissects our problems quite well and can make someone understand why terms like Homoousios are the life blood of the Church.
If I had a quibble, I might want a better wording than "personal relationship", but this book was so good, it demands that I rethink my thoughts on this issue.
October 16, 2023
4.5 stars
Fairbairn’s main argument is that the heart of Christianity is our participation in the Son’s relationship with the Father. Throughout the book, Fairbairn stresses the early church fathers due to modern evangelicalism losing sight of this Father-son relationship. He starts the book focusing on the “unintended rift… between doctrine and life” (Fairbairn 2009, 1). He emphasizes that the solution to this rift is the church father’s view on theōsis, which explains how the “human in life is intimately connected to the life of God” (Fairbairn 2009, 232). Throughout the book, Fairbairn points out certain doctrines that evangelicals focus on that he does not see to be central to the Christian life. An example of this is the emphasis on justification and sanctification. While this is an essential aspect of coming to Christ, it is not the main point. Instead, Fairbairn argues that “[sharing] in the communion that the natural Son has with God the Father” is the main emphasis of Christianity (Fairbairn 2009, 10). He emphasizes this relationship throughout many aspects of the Christian life. For example, Jesus’ glory is not only about His honor; it is also about His presence with us. This relationship is also reflected in our love for others. We are meant to love other people as the Father and Son love one another. We submit to God as the Son does to the Father. This Father-Son relationship is even seen in eternal life itself. Fairbairn defines eternal life as “a deeply personal knowledge of the one who has shared from all eternity in the glory of the Father” (Fairbairn 2009, 31).
Now, the author walks through many misconceptions. There is a difference between how we experience the Father and Son’s relationship and the Godhead does. The Father and Son are of the same essence, we are not. Theōsis can be easily misunderstood to think we can eventually become divine. This is not possible. A created thing can never become uncreated (Fairbairn 2009, 93). Christianity is distinct from any other monotheism because of the Trinity. Fairbairn walks carefully through how the Father and the Son can be distinct in person while still being one. The Father, Son, and Spirit are not “some kind of subdivisions within God” (Fairbairn 2009, 43). God is one and three persons at the same time. God’s ability to be three distinct persons is how it is possible for Him to be characteristically loving (Fairbairn 2009, 54). Fairbairn also went over how the fall of man fundamentally changed the way we related to God, making it impossible for us to restore ourselves to God by our own volition. All of humanity is spiritually dead. This is why need Christ, who is the life (John 14:6).
The author continues with the incarnation, death, and resurrection of God the Son and how it was the only way for us to be reconciled to the Father. The incarnation was a distinctly “personal, downward movement of God the Son to earth to live among us” (Fairbairn 2009, 155). We are able to be adopted as children of God because of God the Son. His being “reunited to the Father and the Spirit” allows us to be reunited with the fellowship of the Trinity (Fairbairn 2009, 182). We participate, as believers, in both Christ’s death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit is the person who unites us to fellowship in the Father and Son relationship.
With all this said, the question remains: What does it look like to participate in the Son’s relationship with the Father? Fairbairn gives practical applications in both chapter four and ten. These include acknowledging the inherent worth of all humans, sharing in the peace of Christ, seeing the value of work, through our own suffering, and our servant ministry to those who suffer (Fairbairn 2009, 204, 220). He also emphasizes how this is a communal act of “eating and drinking” of Christ, which we can see in the communal practice of the Eucharist. Through participating in the relationship of the Father and Son, we learn what it truly means to be “in Christ.”
Fairbairn’s main argument is that the heart of Christianity is our participation in the Son’s relationship with the Father. Throughout the book, Fairbairn stresses the early church fathers due to modern evangelicalism losing sight of this Father-son relationship. He starts the book focusing on the “unintended rift… between doctrine and life” (Fairbairn 2009, 1). He emphasizes that the solution to this rift is the church father’s view on theōsis, which explains how the “human in life is intimately connected to the life of God” (Fairbairn 2009, 232). Throughout the book, Fairbairn points out certain doctrines that evangelicals focus on that he does not see to be central to the Christian life. An example of this is the emphasis on justification and sanctification. While this is an essential aspect of coming to Christ, it is not the main point. Instead, Fairbairn argues that “[sharing] in the communion that the natural Son has with God the Father” is the main emphasis of Christianity (Fairbairn 2009, 10). He emphasizes this relationship throughout many aspects of the Christian life. For example, Jesus’ glory is not only about His honor; it is also about His presence with us. This relationship is also reflected in our love for others. We are meant to love other people as the Father and Son love one another. We submit to God as the Son does to the Father. This Father-Son relationship is even seen in eternal life itself. Fairbairn defines eternal life as “a deeply personal knowledge of the one who has shared from all eternity in the glory of the Father” (Fairbairn 2009, 31).
Now, the author walks through many misconceptions. There is a difference between how we experience the Father and Son’s relationship and the Godhead does. The Father and Son are of the same essence, we are not. Theōsis can be easily misunderstood to think we can eventually become divine. This is not possible. A created thing can never become uncreated (Fairbairn 2009, 93). Christianity is distinct from any other monotheism because of the Trinity. Fairbairn walks carefully through how the Father and the Son can be distinct in person while still being one. The Father, Son, and Spirit are not “some kind of subdivisions within God” (Fairbairn 2009, 43). God is one and three persons at the same time. God’s ability to be three distinct persons is how it is possible for Him to be characteristically loving (Fairbairn 2009, 54). Fairbairn also went over how the fall of man fundamentally changed the way we related to God, making it impossible for us to restore ourselves to God by our own volition. All of humanity is spiritually dead. This is why need Christ, who is the life (John 14:6).
The author continues with the incarnation, death, and resurrection of God the Son and how it was the only way for us to be reconciled to the Father. The incarnation was a distinctly “personal, downward movement of God the Son to earth to live among us” (Fairbairn 2009, 155). We are able to be adopted as children of God because of God the Son. His being “reunited to the Father and the Spirit” allows us to be reunited with the fellowship of the Trinity (Fairbairn 2009, 182). We participate, as believers, in both Christ’s death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit is the person who unites us to fellowship in the Father and Son relationship.
With all this said, the question remains: What does it look like to participate in the Son’s relationship with the Father? Fairbairn gives practical applications in both chapter four and ten. These include acknowledging the inherent worth of all humans, sharing in the peace of Christ, seeing the value of work, through our own suffering, and our servant ministry to those who suffer (Fairbairn 2009, 204, 220). He also emphasizes how this is a communal act of “eating and drinking” of Christ, which we can see in the communal practice of the Eucharist. Through participating in the relationship of the Father and Son, we learn what it truly means to be “in Christ.”
August 26, 2018
For the most part, I would speak (very) highly of the theological training I received in seminary, but one critique/complaint I would make is that it was overwhelming focused on contemporary theological issues and largely divorced from history (at least explicitly). The result was that I got the end of the two-thousand year old theological conversation but not much of the beginning. This book seeks to correct that; using the church fathers as a means to enter into the theological conversation from the front end, not the back end. I would love to assign this to my high school students, but I don't think I could get away with it. If I were ever to teach an undergraduate theology class, this book would be high on my list of potential textbooks.
September 18, 2025
This one is probably a 3.5 for me, but I had to decide and brought it down. I really liked the premise of the book, tracing the thread of Trinidadian love all thoroughfare scripture with an emphasis on the early church father’s perspective. He gave great quotations and was very honest about when church father’s perspective would have differed significantly from what is believed today. I feel like this book was close to greatness but just wasn’t quite there for me as it was kind of boring and rarely provided ground breaking ideas. Good read but will probably not be revisiting this except for the quotations from church fathers.
August 23, 2020
Dr Fairbairn is an engaging writer. This book shows his scholarship on the patristics and how they can help to read theology not as a simple academic, but a real approach as one attempts “life in the Trinity”.
July 10, 2024
The best introduction to theology I've read. It's a shame it was only just recommended to me. Had I read this as a beginning student, I would have avoided a few missteps along the way.
October 17, 2012
Excellent book, he writes clearly, and not only that, he writes persuasively as he personalises his language to make a greater impact. This book warmed my heart as well as illuminating my mind - and since I've also heard the author in a series of lectures - I must say that this guy is very switched on, and shows a remarkable understanding and godliness. This book looks in depth at the Church Fathers, and their early understanding of the truth, with their emphasis on the threeness of God, rather than emphasising his oneness (which we tend to do in the West). This alone was so helpful to understand, and has created in me a pleasure in each distinct person of God as opposed to mashing all three persons together as 'one God' who is three. (That's how I think of our Western 'one God' idea that is like playdough, with all the colours mixed, and not distinguished.). I recommend this easy read to anyone who wishes to enlarge their understanding, and have their heart moved, and who wishes to understand the loving God who sent His Son into the world, and from whom the Spirit procedes to bring us into fellowship with 'them'.
This book (and the author's lectures) has really reshaped my thinking. So when, at a wedding, the speaker said that the couple were not two but three, I whispered to my son that in fact they were five. This couple, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Imagine this reality, anyone of us can have friendship with the three persons who are God, through what Jesus has done, and by the Spirit's work. It's awesome, and this book helps make it so.
I have read most of it twice.
This book (and the author's lectures) has really reshaped my thinking. So when, at a wedding, the speaker said that the couple were not two but three, I whispered to my son that in fact they were five. This couple, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Imagine this reality, anyone of us can have friendship with the three persons who are God, through what Jesus has done, and by the Spirit's work. It's awesome, and this book helps make it so.
I have read most of it twice.
January 13, 2022
Theosis isn't just for our Orthodox friends. You won't read the Gospel of John the same.
August 9, 2014
Fairbairn does the church a wonderful service, by showing in this book that through our union with Christ believers actually have begun to participate in God the Son's own communion with God the Father. It is so helpful! This is the main stuff that makes the gospel good news! I'm so glad my Sys Theo prof recommended it. He gets to the heart of our faith with great clarity (with the help of the church fathers). It's one of those books that helped me so much that I'm surprised that not many people have heard of it.
If you'd like a copy, you can get one here: http://amzn.to/1oNT7Pf
If you'd like a copy, you can get one here: http://amzn.to/1oNT7Pf
May 7, 2024
Great blend of heady and practical, complex and simple. The author does a great job of taking a bunch of things people don't really like (theology, philosophy, history) and presenting it clearly, simply, and even entertainingly.
Some personally memorable takeaways:
Read up on and respect the early church fathers.
The Son is equal to the Father and yet still obeys and submits to Him.
The Eucharist is super important.
Justification AND sanctification are both part of what it means to live in the Trinity.
Some personally memorable takeaways:
Read up on and respect the early church fathers.
The Son is equal to the Father and yet still obeys and submits to Him.
The Eucharist is super important.
Justification AND sanctification are both part of what it means to live in the Trinity.
June 29, 2012
Excellent book. Sometimes his lack of erudition on current trends makes him misstep, but his insight into the Fathers and fresh exposition and explanation of their thinking more than makes up for it. Recommended for any theological-type who doesn't already know it all.
July 31, 2021
This book means to introduce evangelicals to the Eastern Orthodox understanding of theosis - a term Fairbairn does not like because it can be open to misunderstanding. So he calls this 'participating in the Father-Son relationship'.
He also wants to introduce theological topics that evangelicals don't know about (this is his view and given my evangelical upbringing, I would agree). He wants to move on from debates about justification (though he touches on them), but more so what does the Christian life look life beyond that? For him it's a better understanding and engagement with doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation. Not just stating belief in them, but actually trying to reflect on them. And to do this he seeks the help of the early church fathers.
This is a thoroughly evangelical theology. Yes, he adds an eastern flavour, but I can't imagine it disrupting the faith of any evangelical. Though I would help it would get them to reflect deeper on the faith and to show them that the Church has been doing theology long before 1517. As an introduction to the Church Fathers, it falls somewhat short. Most of his writing is his own theology with quotes from the Fathers in side bars. You could read the book and not even need the quotes (some are hard to read simply because do not have translations younger than 100+ years old - not the author's fault).
Fairbairn does his best to make sure that evangelicals are comfortable with these ancient authors. He of course begins with authority of scripture. While saying this was not a discussion in the early church, he goes to lengths to ensure evangelical readers the early church fathers were 'on side' with evangelical beliefs (though thankfully never uses the words 'inerrant' or 'infallible'). He also seeks to allay the fears evangelicals might have about the high view of baptism and the Eucharist that the Orthodox writers have, even though trying to get evangelicals to engage more with them (in particular the Eucharist).
However, there are long places where it is merely Fairbairn's own writing with no quotes from the fathers. This leads me to think that he is unable to match the Fathers with his own belief. Cynically, I would say when he says 'the fathers can't help us with' whatever topic (e.g., real presence of Christ in the Eucharist), I can't help but think he means 'I don't like what they say'.
Overall, no longer having an evangelical worldview prohibits me from enjoying this book more. Even while talking about the church/community aspect, participating in the Father-Son relationship is still individualistic. The way the world has fallen are the typical white American evangelical ills with little reference to social or society sins. He keeps saying that he doesn't talk much about the Spirit because the Spirit points to the Father-Son relationship. Still, thinking about the role of the Spirit as the mediator between the Father and the Son and how the Spirit mediates the presence to God (in particular in the sacraments) to us might make this different.
There is a lot to commend in this, in particularly if you are an evangelical. I appreciated his discussion on glory as the presence of God; also, his careful explanation of the two natures in the one person of Christ.
He also wants to introduce theological topics that evangelicals don't know about (this is his view and given my evangelical upbringing, I would agree). He wants to move on from debates about justification (though he touches on them), but more so what does the Christian life look life beyond that? For him it's a better understanding and engagement with doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation. Not just stating belief in them, but actually trying to reflect on them. And to do this he seeks the help of the early church fathers.
This is a thoroughly evangelical theology. Yes, he adds an eastern flavour, but I can't imagine it disrupting the faith of any evangelical. Though I would help it would get them to reflect deeper on the faith and to show them that the Church has been doing theology long before 1517. As an introduction to the Church Fathers, it falls somewhat short. Most of his writing is his own theology with quotes from the Fathers in side bars. You could read the book and not even need the quotes (some are hard to read simply because do not have translations younger than 100+ years old - not the author's fault).
Fairbairn does his best to make sure that evangelicals are comfortable with these ancient authors. He of course begins with authority of scripture. While saying this was not a discussion in the early church, he goes to lengths to ensure evangelical readers the early church fathers were 'on side' with evangelical beliefs (though thankfully never uses the words 'inerrant' or 'infallible'). He also seeks to allay the fears evangelicals might have about the high view of baptism and the Eucharist that the Orthodox writers have, even though trying to get evangelicals to engage more with them (in particular the Eucharist).
However, there are long places where it is merely Fairbairn's own writing with no quotes from the fathers. This leads me to think that he is unable to match the Fathers with his own belief. Cynically, I would say when he says 'the fathers can't help us with' whatever topic (e.g., real presence of Christ in the Eucharist), I can't help but think he means 'I don't like what they say'.
Overall, no longer having an evangelical worldview prohibits me from enjoying this book more. Even while talking about the church/community aspect, participating in the Father-Son relationship is still individualistic. The way the world has fallen are the typical white American evangelical ills with little reference to social or society sins. He keeps saying that he doesn't talk much about the Spirit because the Spirit points to the Father-Son relationship. Still, thinking about the role of the Spirit as the mediator between the Father and the Son and how the Spirit mediates the presence to God (in particular in the sacraments) to us might make this different.
There is a lot to commend in this, in particularly if you are an evangelical. I appreciated his discussion on glory as the presence of God; also, his careful explanation of the two natures in the one person of Christ.
October 27, 2017
This book is a treasure. I had high expectations, it was recommended by a friend who is a theologian, so I knew I was getting into some deep waters. I rank it right next to Dallas Willard's "Divine Conspiracy" and NT Wright's "Surprised by Hope" in terms of blowing my mind.
What you get here is not an overly academic piece. There are big words, but this is no pop-culture, Christian self-help rag. This is a deep exploration of how God works and what God wants to do with mankind.
It's also a great way to get introduced to the early church. Those are "sidebars" along the way, used affectionately by Fairbairn to draw us into a historical viewpoint for his narrative.
I talked to the theologian friend who recommended this after I finished it, and he said something that bears repeating: "I wish everyone could read this. It's just hard when people are satisfied with such a deficient gospel. It's like watching people eat pop tarts while there is steak and fried chicken in front of them."
I echo this, but I know the Spirit works in different ways. This book took me 22 days to read... because I re-read some pages a couple times. Often, my Bible was open right next to me. It was illuminating, nourishing, and startling. It will forever reshape the way I see God's purposes. It's worth the effort.
What you get here is not an overly academic piece. There are big words, but this is no pop-culture, Christian self-help rag. This is a deep exploration of how God works and what God wants to do with mankind.
It's also a great way to get introduced to the early church. Those are "sidebars" along the way, used affectionately by Fairbairn to draw us into a historical viewpoint for his narrative.
I talked to the theologian friend who recommended this after I finished it, and he said something that bears repeating: "I wish everyone could read this. It's just hard when people are satisfied with such a deficient gospel. It's like watching people eat pop tarts while there is steak and fried chicken in front of them."
I echo this, but I know the Spirit works in different ways. This book took me 22 days to read... because I re-read some pages a couple times. Often, my Bible was open right next to me. It was illuminating, nourishing, and startling. It will forever reshape the way I see God's purposes. It's worth the effort.
March 12, 2022
A superb mix of academic and practical theology that looks at the centrality of Christian faith particularly in light of Scripture and the early church Fathers (patristics). Fairbairn’s answer to the central nature of the faith is participation in the relationship of the Trinity being opened to believers via Jesus and His cross & resurrection. Thought this might sound simple, it’s a highly nuanced (yet understandable) view with far reaching ramifications even into everyday Christian living. His treatment of issues like predestination/foreknowledge, conversion, and justification/sanctification was excellent, and the integration of patristic writings was very insightful and eye-opening. I will refer back to this book for sure, and he has whet my appetite for reading more church Fathers even further. Fantastic book all the way around.
July 20, 2022
A refreshing examination of the early church fathers and how they conceptualized the Holy Trinity, a challenging theological topic that is under discussed in many churches today. The book provides strong implications for the importance of appreciating the relational nature of the Trinity and how this reframes how we think about sin, salvation, justification, and other conceptions that we’ve modernized and perhaps lost some of the original meaning.
Studying theology in general is giving me a greater appreciation for how ideas are shaped and molded over time, and how we see these concepts and conceptions diffuse into other streams of thought (and of course, theology is also shaped by concurrent ideas of the time as well)
Studying theology in general is giving me a greater appreciation for how ideas are shaped and molded over time, and how we see these concepts and conceptions diffuse into other streams of thought (and of course, theology is also shaped by concurrent ideas of the time as well)
May 18, 2017
I would now place this book slightly ahead of Michael Reeve's "Delighting in the Trinity" as the most helpful contemporary book on the Trinity, right up there with Fred Sanders's "The Deep Things of God." The major contribution of this work over those two is Fairbairn's expertise in the church fathers, and his ability to make them intelligible to us. Though published by IVP Academic, it's written in a popular, accessible style. His point is simply this: the hinge between theology and Christian living, and the goal of redeemed humanity, is to become a partaker in the fellowship between the Father and Son through the Holy Spirit.
March 23, 2019
Just excellent. A slow start but it really picks up afterward. A fantastic overview of the redemption story of our Lord and Savior, and what it means to participate in it. Features a cursory overview of major theological themes, with very appreciated insight as to how the church fathers approached them. Much needed in a contemporary society, as it is so edifying to look back at how original Christians approached theology instead of only studying contemporary perspectives on the same topics. Significant perspective gained - Praise Jesus!
September 30, 2024
This book really is amazing. Because it is one of my assigned books for school this semester, and because I am me, I ended up rushing through the second half of the book after procrastinating some of my work. I wish I hadn’t of had to read through it so fast the past few days so I could really digest it.
Fairbairn writes about the invitation we have to life in the Trinity and what the early church fathers had to say about it. I do wish it had more (or any?) female voices represented in the text.
This is an academic book that is very accessible. I need to return to this one for sure!
Fairbairn writes about the invitation we have to life in the Trinity and what the early church fathers had to say about it. I do wish it had more (or any?) female voices represented in the text.
This is an academic book that is very accessible. I need to return to this one for sure!
December 9, 2021
Fairbairn's mastery of Patristic material and pastoral heart blend seamlessly in a book that's very accessible to non-experts in theology. By viewing salvation as primarily a participation in the relationship shared by the three Persons of the Trinity, the book narrows the gap between what have long been considered "Western" and "Eastern" approaches to the Christian faith. A great read for personal interest, a Bible study, or seminary class.
January 2, 2022
I found this book clear and compelling. It engaged forthrightly with some of the interpretive and philosophical issues of traditional theology (like the Trinity and simultaneous unity/simplicity of the Godhead). It also dealt with the metaphysics of salvation in a way I found provocative and useful.
October 3, 2022
Foundational
I would recommend this book to anyone of an evangelical background who is searching to understand how God reveals himself as Trinity, and how that understanding is intended to inform and guide their life in a way that God intends in this world and into the age to come.
I would recommend this book to anyone of an evangelical background who is searching to understand how God reveals himself as Trinity, and how that understanding is intended to inform and guide their life in a way that God intends in this world and into the age to come.
April 9, 2025
Excellent!
I loved the discussion of patristic hermeneutics. It will be great to have this on my shelf for future reference.
He has about two pages dedicated to the doctrine of election in which he falls on his face. It is full of false assumptions and thus misrepresentations. But the rest of it is so good, it doesn’t lose a star.
I loved the discussion of patristic hermeneutics. It will be great to have this on my shelf for future reference.
He has about two pages dedicated to the doctrine of election in which he falls on his face. It is full of false assumptions and thus misrepresentations. But the rest of it is so good, it doesn’t lose a star.
September 20, 2017
An excellent book with fresh insights and fascinating analysis of the Scriptures and the Fathers. Published in 2009, it is in part foundational to several other books I've read on the nature of the incarnation, soteriology, and adoption.
June 14, 2018
Pastoral, Reformed, and utterly Christological. Fairbairn provides a beautiful picture of Christianity, including what we're saved to, how and why we live the way we do, and how God drives, empowers, and transforms all things. So thankful for this.
October 8, 2019
This is an excellent, fresh, and accessible book about the centrality if the Trinity in the Christian life. It’s really a book about the gospel and it helps draw out the relevance of the Trinity for the church today.
March 30, 2023
Fantastic introduction to the major theological themes, through the refreshing lens of the Church Fathers. I suspect it will function as more of a reference-book / text-book for most; when working through different questions.
March 20, 2025
I wish he went into more detail on a few things here or there, but overall a fantastic book tracing the Father-Son relationship through scripture and how we participate in that through union with Christ. Some great insights from the early church too
January 10, 2019
Hard to read but, full of insights especially to those of us that aren’t in seminary. Saw the Trinity differently and more relationally.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews