This collection of essays offers a comprehensive discussion of the doctrine of the Trinity. I highly recommend this book. The contributing scholars are excellent and offer the reader a wide variety of essays on this important doctrine.

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT DOES THE COVER SAY ABOUT THIS?
There's no way that I can do this justice easily, so I'll just borrow the Publisher's Website's copy:
Modern theology claimed that it ignited a renaissance in trinitarian theology. Really, it has been a renaissance in social trinitarianism.

Classical commitments like divine simplicity have been jettisoned, the three persons have been redefined as three centers of consciousness and will, and modern agendas in politics, gender, and ecclesiology determine the terms of the discussion. Contemporary trinitarian theology has followed the spirit of this trajectory, rejecting doctrines like eternal generation which were once a hallmark of Nicene orthodoxy and reintroducing subordinationism into the Trinity.

Motivated by the longstanding need to retrieve the classical doctrine of the Trinity, theologian Matthew Barrett brings together Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox scholars to intervene in the conversation. With over forty contributions, this ecumenical volume resurrects the enduring legacy of Nicene orthodoxy, providing a theological introduction that listens with humility to the Great Tradition.

In On Classical Trinitarianism, you find contributions from a wide range of scholars, including:

Katherin Rogers
Andrew Louth
Gilles Emery
Steven Duby
Gavin Ortlund
Adonis Vidu
Carl Trueman
Matthew Levering
Fred Sanders
Scott Swain
Karen Kilby
Amy Peeler
Thomas Joseph White

The distinct yet united voices of On Classical Trinitarianism summon the next generation to move past modern revisionism for the sake of renewing classical trinitarian theology today. Together, they demonstrate that Nicene orthodoxy can endure in the modern world and unite the church catholic.

DO NOT FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE HERE
I read this (until the last week or so) at a rate of 1-2 chapters a day (with the occasional day of 3 or 4 chapters) in a vain attempt to finish the book in under a month, so I could post about it before release day.

This should be read much slower—it wouldn't hurt to read each chapter at the same pace I did, but only one at a time. Then you should go back and read it again, slower this time—maybe taking notes—and maybe one more time after that before moving on. That's how I'm going to do it next time.

One thing I think I did do right was that I read this from front to back. Generally, this book builds from chapter to chapter. The first part, in particular, "Retrieving Nicene Trinitarianism" should be read before the rest—those 11 chapters dive deep into the historical material—with an emphasis on the first few centuries of the Church.

HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS
Frequently when I talk about a book like this I'll talk about the highlights, the chapters I liked more, or I thought were more convincing than others. And I'll mention the ones that weren't so successful in my eyes.

I don't think I can do that with this one—they were all great. Some were more interesting than others, but...that's really an "eye of the beholder" kind of thing and will probably vary each time I read the book. Some touched on things I've been reading lately, some were authors I wanted to read/read more of. That kind of thing.

Instead, I'll talk about the difficulty in reading. Chapter 2, The Nicene Creed: Foundation of Orthodoxy could be given to any High School class. Carl Trueman's "Reforming the Trinity? The Collapse of Classical Metaphysics and the Protestant Identity Crisis," was only a little tougher. And the final chapter, Michael Horton's "Biblicism and Heterodoxy: Nicene Orthodoxy, Ecclesiastical Accountability, and Institutional Fidelity," was also pretty accessible.

Chapter 6 "Maximos and John Damascene: Mid-Byzantine Reception of Nicea" was so filled with Greek that I couldn't get much out of it. But "The Unbegotten Father", Chapter 22, was also Greek-rich, and I struggled, but I did get a lot out of it (but would translations in the footnotes have been so bad?). I thought Chapter 17, "Three Persons, One Will" was pretty hard reading, too—but so, so helpful. I don't know if anything topped Chapter 6, but Chapter 25 "No Impassibility, No Eternal Generation: Retrieving a Pro-Nicene Distinctive" maybe came close. But it's also one of my favorite chapters.

The rest of the chapters are somewhere in between those extremes, closer to the latter than the former set. None are unapproachable for the non-professional. But you do need to be prepared for some struggles.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT ON CLASSICAL TRINITARIANISM?
I loved this book. I've been talking with friends about it for weeks (actually, some of us started talking about it months ago). It's a real blessing for The Church and individual believers.

I learned so, so much—and know when I read it more slowly, I'll learn so much more. I have notes throughout about looking into this idea or that idea some more. There are also a handful of books from the footnotes that I need to go buy (and that handful will likely multiply on my next read). I got some clarification on positions I already held or leaned toward—and I'm more convinced of them all now, and can explain them better. I was confronted by ideas I hadn't reckoned with before—or ways of looking at tried and true subjects that I hadn't considered before, and now can't help but see everywhere.

I think the critiques of Social Trinitarianism, Eternal Functional Subordinationism (and related positions), attacks on Eternal Generation or the Impassibility of God and so on were so valuable—and the wide range of chapters and topics that led to them shows how large an impact these positions can have—and the way they are out of step with pro-Nicene Theology.

This book takes work—and it should—but it's worth every ounce of effort you expend. You will be rewarded for your efforts—I have been already, and I took the easy way through it. I'll be returning to these pages again and again—I heartily recommend this and encourage you to give it a read.

9.5 out of 5 stars. (It loses a half star for all the untranslated Greek)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from IVP Academic—thanks to both for this.

This is an amazing book on the Trinity, and given how foundational the doctrine is to Christianity, this book is an extremely welcome addition to the classroom. The contributors rigorously engage in theological retrieval of the classical doctrine of the Trinity, grounding their analysis in the fathers, scholarship, and orthodox theology. I am extremely impressed with the scope and depth of this book, and will recommend it to any student or even my fellow teachers.

What an absolute beast of a book! Coming in at a whopping 786 pages plus indexes, this is definitely the largest book I’ve picked up so far this year. I cannot reasonably add it to my read list at this point, because I have read sections of it and skimmed, but reading the entirety will be quite an undertaking. I started at the beginning but quickly determined that the density would not permit me to complete the book and review it in a timely manner. This feels like an excellent reference volume for understanding the historic positions of the church, specifically relating to the trinity; examining its importance and implications; and thinking about how this shapes our contemporary understanding of God as triune. The breadth of this work is truly impressive and boasts a great list of contributors. I look forward to continuing to explore this collection.

FINALLY A BOOK TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN DENOMINATIONS

This is no small cup to drink. And yet, these 800+ pages allow readers of all abilities to follow the early church fathers into the Nicene Creed and all the way through the theology of the Holy Trinity today. Incredibly, the contributions to this work are from a wide array of scholars and theologians ranging from Baptist to Catholic. I am amazed at the attention to detail in research, historically and theologically. I grew up speaking the Nicene Creed in my Presbyterian Church on occasion and this book has opened my eyes to further depth.

The quote on the NetGalley summary says it best: "The distinct yet united voices of On Classical Trinitarianism summon the next generation to move past modern revisionism for the sake of renewing classical trinitarian theology today. Together, they demonstrate that Nicene orthodoxy can endure in the modern world and unite the church catholic."

I am grateful to NetGalley, IVP Academic, Matthew Barrett, Katherin Rogers, Andrew Louth, Gilles Emery, Steven Duby, Gavin Ortlund, Adonis Vidu, Carl Trueman, Matthew Levering, Fred Sanders, Scott Swain, Karen Kilby, Amy Peeler, and Thomas Joseph White for the opportunity to read this incredible work in exchange for my honest review.

On Classical Trinitarianism is a profound scholarly exploration of the Nicene Creed’s foundational role in Trinitarian theology. Edited by Matthew Barrett, this volume gathers insightful contributions from respected theologians who delve deeply into the doctrine of the Trinity as articulated by the Nicene Creed. The book addresses historical foundations, theological nuances, and contemporary challenges surrounding Nicene Trinitarianism, making it an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a richer understanding of this core Christian doctrine.

Chapter 1: Ante-Nicene Trinitarianism: From Confession to Theology

Fairbairn traces the evolution of Trinitarian thought from early Christian confessions leading up to the Nicene Creed. The essential ideas that culminated in Nicene orthodoxy were already germinating in these early confessions. The early church was fervent in maintaining the integrity of Christian monotheism while affirming the full divinity of the Son and the Spirit, showcasing the careful balance in the church’s doctrinal development.

Chapter 2: The Nicene Creed: Foundation of Orthodoxy

Hall examines the Nicene Creed as the bedrock of orthodox Christian belief, highlighting its critical role in countering the Arian heresy. The Nicene Creed established a theological framework that fortified the church against Arianism. The creed’s affirmation of the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father was pivotal in maintaining the unity and equality of the Trinity, underscoring the significance of this doctrine in upholding Trinitarian integrity.

Chapter 3: The Beginnings of a Pro-Nicene Trinitarian Vision: Athanasius of Alexandria on the Activity of the Son and the Spirit

Hughes and Wilhite explore Athanasius’s vigorous defense of the full divinity of the Son and the Spirit, underscoring his essential role in shaping Nicene Trinitarianism. Athanasius emphasized that the Son is inseparable from the essence of the Father, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the doctrine of the Son's full divinity. The Son is identical with the substance of God and an offspring from it by nature, thus homoousion with the Father, reinforcing the deep theological continuity in Nicene thought.

Chapter 4: Hilary of Poitiers on the Unity and Distinction of Father and Son: A Pro-Nicene Reading and Use of John 5:19

Beckwith delves into Hilary of Poitiers’s contributions to Trinitarian theology, particularly through his exegesis of John 5:19. Hilary’s interpretation was crucial in defending the unity and distinction of the Father and the Son, laying foundational groundwork for subsequent theological developments in the Western church. His work established a lasting legacy in the refinement of Trinitarian thought.

Chapter 5: The Cappadocians and the Maturity of Nicene Vocabulary

Hildebrand explores how the Cappadocian Fathers refined and matured the language of Nicene Trinitarianism, crafting a precise theological vocabulary. The Cappadocians were instrumental in developing the terminology that became the standard for Trinitarian theology. Their distinction between ‘ousia’ and ‘hypostases’ allowed for a more nuanced articulation of the Trinity, a distinction that became a cornerstone in later theological discussions.

Chapter 6: Maximos and John Damascene: Mid-Byzantine Reception of Nicaea

Louth discusses the pivotal contributions of Maximos the Confessor and John Damascene in preserving and transmitting Nicene orthodoxy within the Byzantine tradition. Their work was crucial in ensuring that the theological insights of Nicaea continued to shape Eastern Orthodox theology, leaving a lasting imprint on the doctrinal continuity within the tradition.

Chapter 7: Augustine of Hippo: Will the Real Augustine Please Stand Up?

Johnson examines Augustine’s unique contributions to Trinitarian theology, particularly his emphasis on the unity of the divine essence. Augustine’s Trinitarian theology was profoundly shaped by his philosophical background and deep engagement with Scripture, establishing key foundations that would become central to Western Trinitarian thought.

Chapter 8: Anselm of Canterbury: Faith Seeking Trinitarian Understanding

Hogg explores Anselm’s application of reason to Trinitarian theology, highlighting his rigorous method of "faith seeking understanding." Anselm’s intellectual approach to the Trinity had a lasting impact on medieval theology, particularly his insights into the relational dynamics within the Godhead.

Chapter 9: Thomas Aquinas's Appropriation of Pro-Nicene Theology of the Trinity

Emery examines Thomas Aquinas’s synthesis of Nicene Trinitarian theology with Aristotelian philosophy, which provided a robust intellectual framework for understanding the Trinity. Aquinas’s doctrine of the Trinity became the definitive expression of orthodox Trinitarian theology in the Western church, cementing his influence on Christian thought for generations.

Chapter 10: Creedal Critics or Creedal Confessors? The Reformers and the Reformed Scholastics

Fesko discusses how the Reformers engaged with Nicene Trinitarianism, reaffirming its teachings while adapting them to new theological challenges. The Reformers were deeply committed to the Nicene Creed, and Reformed scholastics played a key role in defending and elaborating on Nicene Trinitarianism, demonstrating the enduring relevance of these doctrines in Reformed theology.

Chapter 11: A Fading of the Trinitarian Imagination: The Fight for Nicene Confessionalism in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries

Haykin explores the challenges faced by Nicene Trinitarianism during the Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment periods, particularly as rationalism and skepticism began to erode traditional doctrines. The fight for Nicene confessionalism during this period was critical for preserving orthodox Trinitarian theology in an increasingly secular intellectual climate.

Chapter 12: The Incomprehensibility of the Holy Trinity

Kurtz reflects on the profound mystery and incomprehensibility of the Trinity, a doctrine that remains central to Christian faith despite its transcendence of human understanding. Recognizing the mystery of the Trinity encourages humility and reverence in theological reflection, reminding believers of the limits of human reason in apprehending the divine.

Chapter 13: Trinity, Creatures, and Hermeneutics: Accounting Properly for Both Theologia and Oikonomia

Barcellos emphasizes the importance of balancing Theologia (God in Himself) and Oikonomia (God’s work in creation and redemption) in Trinitarian theology. A hermeneutic that accounts for both aspects is essential for maintaining the integrity of Trinitarian doctrine, ensuring that the unity and distinction within the Trinity are preserved.

Chapter 14: The Unity of God and the Unity of the Economy

Duby discusses the relationship between the unity of God’s essence and the unity of His work in creation and redemption. The unity of the divine essence is reflected in the unified action of the Trinity in the economy of salvation, highlighting the coherence and harmony of God’s redemptive plan.

Chapter 15: Perfect Being Theology and Classical Trinitarianism

Rogers examines the intersection of Perfect Being Theology, which defines God as the most perfect being, with classical Trinitarianism. This philosophical foundation enriches our understanding of the triune God, illuminating the nature of God’s attributes such as omniscience, omnipotence, and omnibenevolence.

Chapter 16: Trinity and Divine Simplicity

Dolezal explores the doctrine of divine simplicity, which asserts that God is not composed of parts, and its implications for Trinitarian theology. Divine simplicity is crucial for maintaining the unity of God’s essence while affirming the distinction of persons within the Trinity, safeguarding the coherence of Trinitarian doctrine.

Chapter 17: Three Persons, One Will

Wellum addresses the unity of will within the Trinity, emphasizing that the three persons of the Godhead share one divine will. This unity reflects the oneness of God’s essence and is critical for maintaining the coherence of Trinitarian theology, helping to avoid theological errors such as tritheism.

Chapter 18: Trinity and Aseity

Ortlund discusses the doctrine of divine aseity, which affirms that God is self-existent and independent. This doctrine underscores God’s independence and self-sufficiency, essential attributes of the triune God that protect the doctrine of the Trinity from views that undermine God’s sovereignty and perfection.

Chapter 19: The Immutable and Impassible Trinity—Part 1: The Biblical Teaching and Early Patristic Thought

Weinandy explores the biblical and patristic foundations of the doctrines of divine immutability (unchangeability) and impassibility (incapability of suffering). These doctrines are vital for maintaining the consistency and reliability of God’s character, as recognized by the early church fathers who understood their importance in preserving Trinitarian theology.

Chapter 20: The Immutable and Impassible Trinity—Part 2: The Early Councils, Further Theological and Christological Developments, and Soteriological and Pastoral Implications

In this continuation, Weinandy discusses how the doctrines of immutability and impassibility were further developed and affirmed in the early church councils. These doctrines have profound soteriological and pastoral implications, ensuring that God’s redemptive work is grounded in His unchanging and perfect nature.

Chapter 21: Trinity and Love

Levering explores the relationship between the Trinity and divine love, emphasizing how the triune nature of God informs the Christian understanding of love. The love within the Trinity serves as the model and source of all true love in creation, enriching the Christian grasp of the depth and richness of God’s love for humanity.

Chapter 22: The Unbegotten Father

Ku discusses the Father’s role as the unbegotten source within the Trinity, exploring the theological significance of this concept. The Father’s unbegotten nature is essential for understanding the relational dynamics within the Trinity, serving as the eternal source of the Son and the Spirit and reflecting the order and harmony within the Godhead.

Chapter 23: Only Begotten God: Eternal Generation, a Scriptural Doctrine

Irons defends the doctrine of the eternal generation of the Son, arguing for its scriptural basis and theological importance. Eternal generation affirms the Son’s co-equal and co-eternal relationship with the Father, a doctrine that is crucial for maintaining an orthodox understanding of the Trinity.

Chapter 24: Only Begotten Son: The Doctrinal Functions of Eternal Generation

Sanders further explores the doctrine of eternal generation, focusing on its doctrinal functions within Trinitarian theology. This doctrine is vital for distinguishing the persons of the Trinity while maintaining their unity, safeguarding against heresies that would either confuse the persons of the Trinity or divide the divine essence.

Chapter 25: No Impassibility, No Eternal Generation: Retrieving a Pro-Nicene Distinctive

Barrett argues that the doctrines of divine impassibility and eternal generation are closely linked and essential for maintaining Nicene orthodoxy. Without impassibility, the eternal generation of the Son loses its coherence and significance. Retrieving these pro-Nicene distinctives is crucial for preserving the integrity of classical Trinitarian theology.

Chapter 26: The Procession of the Spirit: Eternal Spiration

Holmes discusses the doctrine of the eternal procession (spiration) of the Holy Spirit from the Father and the Son, emphasizing its importance in Trinitarian theology. The procession of the Spirit affirms the Spirit’s co-equal and co-eternal relationship with the Father and the Son, helping to maintain the unity and distinction within the Trinity.

Chapter 27: The Spirit’s Procession Revealed in the Spirit’s Mission: An Augustinian Account

Vidu explores Augustine’s understanding of the Spirit’s procession and its manifestation in the Spirit’s mission in the world. Augustine’s account ties the Spirit’s procession closely to the Spirit’s mission in the economy of salvation, helping Christians grasp the Spirit’s role in the ongoing work of redemption.

Chapter 28: Three Agents, One Agency: The Undivided External Works of the Trinity

Swain examines the unity of action within the Trinity, arguing that the three persons of the Godhead act with one agency in all external works. This unity of agency reflects the oneness of God’s essence and the harmony of the divine will, essential for maintaining the coherence of Trinitarian theology.

Chapter 29: Trinity and Appropriations: Meaning, Practice, and Significance

Malone discusses the concept of appropriations, attributing certain works or attributes to one person of the Trinity while recognizing the unity of the Godhead. Appropriations help Christians understand how the persons of the Trinity relate to creation and redemption in distinct yet unified ways, preserving the balance between unity and distinction within Trinitarian theology.

Chapter 30: Social or Classical? A Theological Dialogue

Allen and Barrett engage in a dialogue on the merits and challenges of social Trinitarianism versus classical Trinitarianism. Social Trinitarianism emphasizes relationality within the Trinity, while classical Trinitarianism focuses on the unity of God’s essence. Both perspectives offer valuable insights, but careful balance is necessary to avoid theological errors that could compromise the integrity of the doctrine.

Chapter 31: Three Versus One? Some Problems of Social Trinitarianism

Holmes critiques social Trinitarianism, arguing that it often overemphasizes the distinction between the persons of the Trinity at the expense of their unity. Social Trinitarianism risks undermining the oneness of God’s essence by focusing too much on the distinct persons. A return to classical Trinitarianism is necessary to maintain the coherence and integrity of the doctrine.

Chapter 32: Perichoresis and Projection: Problems with Social Doctrines of the Trinity

Kilby examines the concept of perichoresis (mutual indwelling) and critiques its application in social Trinitarianism. Perichoresis has often been misapplied, leading to theological confusion. A proper understanding of perichoresis within classical Trinitarianism helps preserve the unity and distinction of the persons without compromising the doctrine.

Chapter 33: Is There Obedience in God? Nicene Orthodoxy and the Eternal Procession of the Son in Aquinas and Barth

White explores the concept of obedience within the Trinity, particularly in the relationship between the Father and the Son, as understood by Aquinas and Barth. The concept of obedience within the Trinity must be carefully understood to avoid subordinating the Son to the Father in a way that compromises Nicene orthodoxy. Aquinas and Barth provide valuable insights that help maintain the balance between unity and distinction within the Trinity.

Chapter 34: Renaissance or Revision? Metaphysical Departures from Classical Trinitarian Theism

Carter critiques modern metaphysical approaches to the Trinity that depart from classical Trinitarianism. Modern revisions of Trinitarian metaphysics often lead to theological errors that undermine the coherence of the doctrine. A return to classical Trinitarian theism is necessary to preserve the integrity of the doctrine in the face of contemporary challenges.

Chapter 35: Are Evangelicals Nicene Trinitarians? Evangelicalism’s Debt to Social Trinitarianism

Smith examines the influence of social Trinitarianism on evangelical theology and questions whether evangelicals can still be considered Nicene Trinitarians. Evangelicalism has been significantly shaped by social Trinitarianism, raising concerns about its adherence to Nicene orthodoxy. A reevaluation of evangelical Trinitarian theology is needed to ensure it remains faithful to the Nicene tradition.

Chapter 36: Reforming the Trinity? The Collapse of Classical Metaphysics and the Protestant Identity Crisis

Trueman discusses the impact of the collapse of classical metaphysics on Protestant Trinitarian theology, leading to what he describes as a Protestant identity crisis. The rejection of classical metaphysics has led to significant challenges for Protestant Trinitarian theology. Recovering a robust metaphysical foundation is essential for addressing the identity crisis facing Protestantism today.

Chapter 37: The Need for Nicene Exegesis: Eternal Functional Subordination’s Hermeneutical Innovation

Peeler critiques the doctrine of Eternal Functional Subordination (EFS) and its implications for Trinitarian theology, emphasizing the need for Nicene exegesis. EFS represents a significant departure from Nicene orthodoxy, introducing hermeneutical innovations that compromise the doctrine of the Trinity. A return to Nicene exegesis is essential for preserving the integrity of Trinitarian theology.

Chapter 38: The Need for Nicene Dogmatics: Eternal Functional Subordination’s Dogmatic Inadequacy

Butner continues the critique of EFS, focusing on its dogmatic inadequacy and the necessity of returning to Nicene dogmatics. EFS undermines the unity and equality of the persons within the Trinity, leading to theological errors. Nicene dogmatics provides the essential framework for preserving the coherence and integrity of Trinitarian theology.

Chapter 39: The Trinity Is Still Not Our Social Program: The Trinity and Gender Roles

Parkison critiques attempts to use the Trinity as a model for social programs, particularly in the context of gender roles. The Trinity should not be reduced to a mere metaphor for social or political agendas, as such attempts often distort the doctrine and reduce it to a tool for advancing particular ideologies.

Chapter 40: Biblicism and Heterodoxy: Nicene Orthodoxy, Ecclesiastical Accountability, and Institutional Fidelity

Horton explores the relationship between biblicism and heterodoxy, arguing that a rigid adherence to biblicism often leads to departures from Nicene orthodoxy. A rigid biblicism that disregards the church’s creedal heritage can lead to heterodox understandings of the Trinity. Nicene orthodoxy provides the necessary theological framework for interpreting Scripture in a way that is faithful to the Trinitarian faith.

Concluding Assessment:

Who Should Read This Book?
This book is an essential resource for theologians, scholars, pastors, church leaders, and serious lay readers who are committed to understanding and teaching the doctrine of the Trinity. Its thorough examination of Nicene Trinitarianism and its relevance to contemporary theological debates make it a valuable addition to any theological library.

Recommendation:
On Classical Trinitarianism is a must-have for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity as articulated by the Nicene Creed. The book’s scholarly rigor, combined with its relevance to contemporary theological debates, makes it a valuable resource for those committed to preserving and teaching orthodox Trinitarian theology. The emphasis on retrieving the wisdom of the Nicene Creed is particularly timely in a modern context where foundational doctrines are often neglected or misunderstood.

This is an absolute mammoth of a book, it is full of chapters from various theologians with their own views and expertise. The writing is mostly easy to understand however a reasonable level of understanding of God and the history of scripture is helpful as the topic isn’t one to dive straight into, as a reference book for essays and to get back ground for a sermon it is great and useful.
There is an interesting look at gender roles within the trinity, and the boundaries that this imposes on the three. There is also a look at natural theology and this lens applied to the trinity with good links back the scripture and passages that support the points being made. The book makes use of historian theologians as well as rooting the book in the old and New Testament with a good look at the first thousand years after the birth of Christ,
Not a light book, but one worth having on a shelf for reference.