Recently, Crossway published a book written by Scott R. Swain titled The Trinity: An Introduction. I had the privelage to have had an early read of this book, and in one word I can summarise the book as excellent.

Simple––not simplistic:

When writing a book, especially for an introduction, the goal is to present the message clearly and simply. However, in trying to be simple is where a lot of books go wrong. In trying to simplify an idea that is being conveyed, some become overtly reductionistic to the point that the important technicality of an idea is lost, which increases the chance of error in either converying the idea correctly, or the reader misunderstanding the idea completely. In trying to be simple, they become simplistic. Being simple requires the ability to convey things in simpler terms, but using techincial words with definition where required, and therefore not risking the possilbilty of mispresenting an idea. To put it in other words, I think the preface of the series describes it very well when it says the following:

“Of course, a thorough study of any doctrine will be longer rather than shorter, as there are two millennia of confession, discussion, and debate with which to interact. As a result, a short study needs to be more selective, but deftly so. […] The key aim is that the simpler is not to morph into the simplistic. The test is whether the topic of a short study, when further studied in depth, requires some unlearning to take place. The simple can be amplified. The simplistic needs to be corrected.”

Series Preface by Graham A. Cole and Oren R. Martin
So, has the book passed its own test of being simple without being simplistic? I think so. Scott is willing to explain things simply where possible; but when it is necessary, he is not afraid or ashsamed to use technical theological terminiology. Additioanaly, it briefly deals with some histroical content on the subject. However, Scott does not stop there: he goes on to define and explore the terminology. Thus, in this area, I think Scott did well. He managed to keep things well-balanced allowing room for one to amplify and compound on the subject (in this case the Trinity) being discussed, explored and presented.

Additional Thoughts:

Theology and doxology. One of things that I particulary enjoyed about the book was that Scott would begin his chapters on doxology, and then delve into theology (and sometimes back at doxology). This is a very important balance. It is easy for one to lose themself in the philosophical and theological world of information. There is plenty of information that can puff one up; there is plenty of information that can make us speak coherently and in an orthodox manner. But many times, and sadly, we don’t allow it to transition from our minds to our hearts: which misses the purpose of theology––to inflame our love and adoration of our triune God. Thus, I really enjoyed Scott’s balance of theology and doxology.

Simple and thorough. As mentioned earlier, the goal of this introdcutory book was to convey the idea simply. Scott did really well in this regard. But he also did very well in the short amount of pages that he had for each chapter, to be very thorough. It was well balanced diet––leaving one with clear understanding, but with some depth.

Technical words and a glossary. When being simple, one must not need to abondon big or technical words––as long as it is followed with a definition and exploration of the word. And here, Scott has done excellenty. Additionally, I really appreciated that there was also a glossary at the end. That way, if one might have forgotten a technical or big word, there is a small summary in the glossary to refresh one’s memory.

Further reading material. As the preface mentioned, the simple can be amplified: knowledge can be compounded. And this book has stayed true to this philosphy by providing some further reading to the reader on the subjects explored. Transperancy is always good.

Content and layout. I think the content and layout of discussing the Trinity was well done. Scott begins by discussing the grammer of the trinity (both common and proper predication) and the three types of texts (intra-trinitarian converstaions; cosmic framework; and, redemptive mission texts). This is then followed by discussing the internal work of the Trinity (ad intra): the simplicity of God and its relation to the Trinity (plenty of debate on this subject in the theological-world) and seperate chapters on each person of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Scott then focuses on the external work of the Trinity (ad extra) and then the ultimate purpose of the Trinity’s work. I also love the summary conclusions at the end of the chapters.

Who would I recommend it to?

I think the title to this book provides the answer already––even though some introduction books fail to be just that. I would recommend this book to new theology students, those who have finally decided to substantiate their creed, and those who are newly-come to Christ. This book will provide a very strong foundation whilst encouraging further exploration and amplification.

I am not a theologian, but I sometimes play one on Sunday mornings. Nevertheless, it was a privilege to read and review this 160-page monograph. Dr. Swain (PhD., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) presents a classic reformed doctrine of the Trinity. With the exception of those who followed the Trinitarian Controversy of 2016, there will be little to argue within this small book.

The book reads as if it were taken from the chapters of a systematic theology text discussing the Trinity. As stated in the introduction, the author desired to address the issues raised by Wayne Grudem and Bruce Ware surrounding the relationship of the Father to Son, and the Father and the Son to Holy Spirit. Though these issues are addressed, they are done so in a manner that elevates three members of the Godhead, not diminishing the role or relationship between the three persons of the Trinity. He addresses the issues addressed in 2016 in the same way he addresses Arianism and Subordination addressed in the first millennium of the church’s history.

This reviewer was encouraged to reread Grudem’s Trinitarian theology as he read Swain’s work. Because the Trinity is wrapped in the mystery that is God, I am not as bothered by the teaching of Grudem as long as it is balanced against the classical teaching of the church. Standing alone, Grudem, et al., could raise red flags in our understanding of our Triune God. Note, Grudem is republishing his systematic theology even as I am writing this - I will be looking forward to his thoughts in 2020 following the discussions of 2016. With a fifty-year-old seminary education, the book was a great refresher on an important doctrine.

The book is well documented, both from the scriptures and from writers representing the church’s thought and teaching during its 2000-year history. Though the ARC which I was provided for the review, did not contain them, the completed volume will contain both a general index and a scripture index which will add value to the finished book. For the reader wishing to review their basic theology or as an ancillary text for a theology class in Bible College or seminary, this book will have a key place.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

So this book is great, but for me it is very text book like and I had a lot of trouble wading through it. But the content is good and maybe someone who likes reading more textbook type things would really eat this up, but it just wasn't for me.

I was scheptical when I began reading this book, but as I continued, it kept my interest, and I would consider this a very deep introduction to the topic, well worth the read.

The Trinity is a book that is part of a new series by Crossway. About the series, "While the specific focus will vary, each volume will (1) introduce the doctrine, (2) set it in context, (3) develop it from Scripture, (4) draw the various threads together, and (5) bring it to bear on the Christian life."

The author states the purpose of The Trinity is to recatechize the evangelical mind after the Trinitarian controversy of 2016 revealed the need for clarity among evangelicals.

I have mixed feelings on The Trinity--the book not the doctrine. On the one hand, it's overly complicated and complex. I feel the author would rather use a string of long syllable words that few actual laymen know the definition of instead of more straight forward language that anyone and everyone could appreciate and understand. This book almost needs an interpreter. Someone to translate the scholar-ese into English. On the other hand, it is comprehensive and saturated in Scripture rather than conjecture. Each chapter does develop the doctrine of the Trinity drawing largely if not exclusively from Scripture itself. (A few creeds and church fathers are also mentioned, though their contribution to the argument the author is making is supplemental and supportive rather than foundational and fundamental.)

Here--for better or worse--is my interpretation of what the book is about. It's entirely possible that I missed key points because as I said earlier this book is overly complicated and complex--a bit full of itself.

What does the Bible have to say about the Trinity? Which passages shed light on the doctrine of the Trinity? What can we learn by reading and studying passages on God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit? How are these three as being the same one true God? How does Scripture distinguish between the Father, the Son, and the Spirit? How does the Trinity work together for our salvation? What is the role of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit in relation to our creation, redemption, salvation, etc. Why is important for Christians to believe in the doctrine of the Trinity? Why is it important for Christians to understand the persons and works of each member of the Trinity? What effect does this knowledge have on our worship?

Here's some sample sentences:
"The purpose of the present chapter is to honor the Father’s name by considering the manifold ways in which the Bible’s Trinitarian discourse manifests the Father’s fecundity."
"First, we will consider “innerTrinitarian conversation texts,” where we overhear the persons of the Trinity speaking to and of each other. Second, we will consider “cosmic framework texts,” which frame the entire cosmos, as well as the entirety of God’s work in the cosmos, in relation to the Trinity. Third, we will consider “redemptive mission texts,” which display the sending or “mission” of the Son (and, sometimes, the sending of the Spirit) as the great divine acts whereby God fulfills his redemptive purpose, establishing his dwelling among us, for the praise of his name."
"In previous chapters we had opportunity to consider a distinction fundamental to the Bible’s basic Trinitarian grammar, the distinction between “common predication” and “proper predication.” Common predication refers to what the three persons hold in common as the one and simple God: they share the one God’s holy name, YHWH, one divine being, one divine wisdom, one divine goodness, and one divine power. In contrast to common predication, proper predication refers to what each person of the Trinity holds in distinction from the other two persons. The “personal properties” of paternity, filiation, and spiration identify that which foundationally and fundamentally distinguishes the persons of the Trinity: the Father eternally begets the Son (paternity), the Son is eternally begotten of the Father (filiation), and the Father and the Son eternally breathe forth the Spirit (spiration)."

Swain, Scott R. The Trinity: An Introduction. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020. $15.99

Dr. Scott Swain provides a book on the Trinity that fits into an interesting category. It is a thorough, academic introduction and the reader does not encounter Hebrew and Greek verses. Unfortunately, I do not think the average who has more electronic devices than books in their house can quickly grasp the concepts and terms offered in The Trinity. Yet, this says more about the 'average Christian' than the excellent book Dr. Swain has written.

Dr. Swain acknowledges he writes with the student of theology, pastor, or "interested laypersons" in mind. As I read through The Trinity I was reminded of something the author states in the introduction. "No topic of study is more rewarding, or more challenging, than the doctrine of the Trinity. Nor is any topic of study fraught with greater possibility of error." This is a reference to Augustine's work on the Trinity and is certainly true. Even having studied systematic theology before, there were times I would pause and think, "this is all going right over my head."

At the same time, Dr. Swain creates an accessible introduction to such a challenging field of study. The book itself, filled with Scripture references, only has eight chapters and is under 180 pages including the index! The author starts by looking at the patterns of 'grammar' that Scripture uses (chapter 1) and the types of biblical texts which teach the Trinity (chapter 2). Chapter 3 is a brief exploration of the 'simplicity' of God before exploring each person of the Trinity in the following chapters (chapters 4-6). The last two chapters cover the 'shape' (chapter 7) and 'end' (chapter 8) of 'God's Triune Work'.

Dr. Swain succinctly explains some of the heresies surrounding the Son as the second person of the Trinity, including the recent controversy with proponents articulating an eternal functional subordinationism (EFS). Swain does not dwell upon these errors long to not distract from the introductory nature of the book. He also provides a couple of options for further reading at different difficulty levels for those interested.

I am excited about the series Crossway is putting together of "Short Studies in Systematic Theology" and think Dr. Scott Swain provides the church an invaluable resource. Pastors need this on their shelf. It offers a quick reference and summary responses to questions they will face. Students, future or current, would do well to work their way through the chapters in this book. There is particular value in reading this volume in advance, or alongside, of studying systematic theology and before getting into Bavinck and similar volumes. For the lay Christian, I would highly recommend getting this introduction. This applies especially if you enjoy studying. However, I would encourage small groups or Sunday school classes to consider working through a chapter per week. I do believe the 'average Christian' can approach this book and be edified in the process.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review purposes. My comments are independent and my own.