Knowing and the Trinity: How Perspectives in Human Knowledge Imitate the Trinity
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Every human being has a distinct perspective and experiences truth from this viewpoint. If God exists in three persons, as the Bible teaches, is it possible to discern epistemological perspectives that originate from this mystery? Once we understand that God is Trinitarian, we can see numerous reflections of his Trinitarian character in general and in special revelation.
Vern Poythress is one of a growing number of theologians who have developed and used perspectival triads to further our knowledge of God. This book explores the relationship between numerous triads and God’s Trinitarian character, and shows that many triads reveal analogies to the Trinity. Understanding these analogies will help readers perceive the fundamental connections between our Trinitarian God, the Bible, and our created world.
- Examines the implications of the triune nature of God
- Explores other examples of triads and how they relate to the Trinity
- Provides key terms, study questions, and further reading for each chapter
- Part 1: What Are Perspectives?
- Part 2: The Trinity
- Part 3: Perspectives from the Trinity
- Part 4: Classifying Perspectives
- Part 5: Applying Perspectives to Theological Questions
- Part 6: The Nature of Perspectives
- Part 7: Deriving Theology
Top Highlights
“the Trinity is the mystery in which all other mysteries ultimately make sense.” (Page xviii)
“In the New Testament, the offices come together in one person, the person of Christ. But it is still possible to distinguish different functions that Christ performs. As a Prophet, he speaks on behalf of God. As a King, he rules with the righteousness of God. As a Priest, he offers sacrifice, makes atonement to God, and intercedes for his people.” (Page 27)
“Deeply embedded in these pages is the principle that the study of theology is always an exercise in cognitive repentance.” (Page xviii)
“‘What is a perspective?’ Simply put, a perspective is a view from somewhere.” (Page 11)
“God’s act of adoption involves the work of all three persons of the Trinity. God the Father is the one who adopts us, so that we become his sons. God the Son became incarnate and identified with us, so that we might be forgiven and receive the status of sons through his unique sonship: ‘God sent forth his Son … to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons’ (Gal. 4:4–5). Then God the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us and testify that we are God’s sons by crying with us, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Page xxii)
It is a privilege to serve as the doorman to welcome readers into the remarkable world of reflections that Dr. Vern Poythress provides for us in this substantial work.... [He] undertakes the task of helping us to see the sheer wonder of God as we reflect on his self-testimony.... We want to be able to say with Jeremiah, ‘Let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord’ (Jer. 9:24). In Knowing and the Trinity, Vern Poythress helps us to do precisely this.... I bid you to explore and enjoy!
—Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary
This book begins simply enough, but soon we discover that it opens our eyes to refreshing new ways of viewing God, the Bible, ourselves, and the world from multiple perspectives, all grounded ultimately in the mysterious triune nature of God. Poythress has given us in this book the valuable fruit of a lifetime of reflection on the teachings of the whole of Scripture.
—Wayne Grudem, Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies, Phoenix Seminary
In this fascinating and highly accessible book, Dr. Poythress puts his perspectival method to work in a wide-ranging exploration of Trinitarian theology. Underlying his discussion is the conviction that while this is a mystery surpassing our capacities, God has revealed himself in creation and grace, his triune fingerprints evident wherever we turn. Any discussion of the doctrine of God should take Poythress’s important contribution into serious consideration. I know of nothing else quite like it.
—Robert Letham, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Union School of Theology (formerly Wales Evangelical School of Theology)
- Title: Knowing and the Trinity: How Perspectives in Human Knowledge Imitate the Trinity
- Author: Vern Poythress
- Publisher: P&R
- Publication Date: 2018
- Pages: 488
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Topic: Trinity
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