My review of The Quest for the Trinity

[Bob]

Stephen R Holmes proposes that the revival in Trinitarian studies in fact is a departure for classic Trinitarian doctrine. He demonstrates this by a survey of Trinitarian theology from the patristic era to the present. Part of his argument is a demonstration that East and West, Greek and Latin theologians were in fact in agreement with regard to the Trinity. Furthermore, he maintains that until the 18th century, the church continued to hold to these positions with little modification.

While Holmes asserts that he is not evaluating the current trends in Trinitarian studies, his implication seems to be that the departures are not developments but reversions to positions rejected in some form by the early church. This truthfully felt a bit disingenuous to me--perhaps this is how one must write to an academic audience.

I do not feel I am in a position to evaluate Holmes argument. I did find his survey of the doctrine through church history helpful. My hunch is that the contemporary scholars he interacts with might find his assertions about their work somewhat over-simplified, sweeping, and perhaps not a fair representation of their work. The book does make me more curious about reviewing my historical theology and current work in this area.

[InterVarsity]

Thanks, Bob!