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Experiencing the Trinity
For many people the doctrine of the Trinity is a hopeless puzzle, a outdated philosophical idea far removed from everyday life. What does it all mean? And how can something so mysterious possibly make a difference in our everyday lives? In Experiencing the Trinity, Darrell Johnson shows that this doctrine is not only at the heart of biblical Christianity, but that it is also at the center of Christian experience.
Review
"A marvelous book . . . the best short book I've read on the topic." -- Larry Crabb
"Johnson expresses passionately his own awakening to the personalness of God." -- James M. Houston, Founding Principal, Regent College
From the Publisher
"The encounter with the living God is a transforming experience. Darrell Johnson expresses passionately his own awakening to the personalness of God. With a true pastor's heart he shares with us the joy of being co-lovers of God, in his triune being." — James M. Houston, Regent College
Review
"A marvelous book . . . the best short book I've read on the topic." -- Larry Crabb
"Johnson expresses passionately his own awakening to the personalness of God." -- James M. Houston, Founding Principal, Regent College
From the Publisher
"The encounter with the living God is a transforming experience. Darrell Johnson expresses passionately his own awakening to the personalness of God. With a true pastor's heart he shares with us the joy of being co-lovers of God, in his triune being." — James M. Houston, Regent College
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2002
84 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Darrell W. Johnson
28 books58 followersDarrell W. Johnson has been preaching Jesus Christ and His Gospel for over 50 years. He has served a number of Presbyterian congregations in California, Union Church of Manila in the Philippines, and the historic First Baptist Church in the heart of Vancouver, Canada.
He has taught preaching for Fuller Theological Seminary, Carey Theological College in Vancouver, and Regent College in Vancouver.
He has authored eight books, including The Glory of Preaching and Discipleship on the Edge: An Expository Journey Through Revelation.
He is currently serving as a pastor at The Way Church and Canadian Church Leaders Network.
He and his wife Sharon have been married over 50 years. Together they have raised four children adopted from four different countries of the world, and now enjoy loving 11 active grandchildren!
He has taught preaching for Fuller Theological Seminary, Carey Theological College in Vancouver, and Regent College in Vancouver.
He has authored eight books, including The Glory of Preaching and Discipleship on the Edge: An Expository Journey Through Revelation.
He is currently serving as a pastor at The Way Church and Canadian Church Leaders Network.
He and his wife Sharon have been married over 50 years. Together they have raised four children adopted from four different countries of the world, and now enjoy loving 11 active grandchildren!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 10, 2009
The best book ever on the Trinity and it's really short!!
September 27, 2024
This is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. It’s written so simply yet it is so rich. Exploring the mystery of the Trinity, and recognizing that we are invited to join into that relationship, is something beyond special. I spent extra time with this book because I didn’t want to rush through it, and even still, I know I will come back and read this over and over again. Please read this if you ever have the chance!!!
July 10, 2021
Johnson, Darrell W. 2002. Experiencing the Trinity. Vancouver, British Columbia: Regent College Publishing.
Chapter 1 – Finding the Trinity
That God is one, but not so much in the sense of digit, but rather in “once for all”, “unique” (22) sheds light on the subject of the Trinity beyond grappling with a number. I was aware of Elohim as a plural noun, His “three-fold-ness” (16), but not that it is always followed by a singular verb. The facts of the Trinity are interwoven throughout Scripture and when I encounter them, they lead me to worship the resurrected Christ (15).
Chapter 2 – Understanding the Trinity
Relationship and community are central to the universe as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are central to reality (37). I cannot find examples in nature for the divine Godhead but rather “in God’s self-revelation” (45) and as we, the church, are called to preserve rather than resolve the mystery (40). “To be is to be related” (O’Donnell 1983) appears to me to be parallel to, Descartes’ “I think; therefore I am”.
Chapter 3 – Joining the Trinity
I find myself in communion with the Trinity as God draws me to himself and reveals to me who he is (60). He is not solitary or isolated, but forever in relationship, in community, in fellowship (61). If “God is love” (I John 4:8), the nature of God beckons us to join him in fellowship for love cannot exist in solitary, only in relationship (62). As disciples, being “co-lovers with God of God, with God of one another, with God of the world” (64) gives us our meaning and purpose.
Chapter 4 – Entering the Trinity
Darrell Johnson refers to being with the Trinity “within the circle” (74) which reminds me of Psalm 25:14, "The secret counsel of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he reveals his covenant to them.” Apart from a sense of intimacy with the Lord, the idea of the round table of God comes to mind as he reveals his covenants, his secrets to us. I believe it is within this circle of intimacy with the Lord that he reveals himself where the us-ness is experienced (73). The “rich inter-connectedness” shared within the Trinity is ours to know and enjoy (78). In this inter-connectedness, I find the inner issues of being, doing, and belonging comes full circle as I “live and move and have my being” in God (Acts 17:27-28). There is no longer a sense of lostness as he reveals himself.
Chapter 5 – Experiencing the Trinity
There is something to quieting ourselves, as the Psalmist says, in the presence within the circle of the triune God to simply know him intimately and openly (Psalm 46:10). Within the circle, there is no more striving, but rather an experiencing, an enjoyment of fellowship with the Community. I am at rest. To experience the Trinity in prayer, or as Johnson says, to “pray the Trinity,” (91) is to not only direct your prayer to God but to experience him in it. To join with him in the fellowship that is in him. It is interesting to note how Johnson, in reference to the six movements of Paul’s prayer that starts and finishes with him calling on his “big God” (92) for the church at Ephesus, that all six points begin the same way, “I ask the Father to grant you out of the riches of his glory…” (93-100). Paul must have experienced something of those riches and intimacy with the Fellowship.
Chapter 6 – Epilogue
The Nicene Creed.
Conclusion – Reflection on the Experience
Experiencing the Trinity introduced me to the experience of the triune God in a way that is intimate and powerful. Going beyond the traditional approach of attempting to figure out the best way to explain the triune God with our limited finite ability helped me to tap into a deeper sense of experience where my mind gave way and I was able to experience Community within the circle deep in my heart. Johnson’s reference to Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians made it come alive and I was able to see things that I had never seen before and taste for myself something new in prayer with God. Sitting quietly on my sofa, I have a renewed sense of the Holy and a burning desire to always have present the us-ness. I am reminded of how we are made in God’s image and how that image is one of relationship, fellowship, and community.
Additional works cited:
O’Donnell, John. 1983. Trinity and Temporality. New York: Oxford University Press.
Chapter 1 – Finding the Trinity
That God is one, but not so much in the sense of digit, but rather in “once for all”, “unique” (22) sheds light on the subject of the Trinity beyond grappling with a number. I was aware of Elohim as a plural noun, His “three-fold-ness” (16), but not that it is always followed by a singular verb. The facts of the Trinity are interwoven throughout Scripture and when I encounter them, they lead me to worship the resurrected Christ (15).
Chapter 2 – Understanding the Trinity
Relationship and community are central to the universe as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are central to reality (37). I cannot find examples in nature for the divine Godhead but rather “in God’s self-revelation” (45) and as we, the church, are called to preserve rather than resolve the mystery (40). “To be is to be related” (O’Donnell 1983) appears to me to be parallel to, Descartes’ “I think; therefore I am”.
Chapter 3 – Joining the Trinity
I find myself in communion with the Trinity as God draws me to himself and reveals to me who he is (60). He is not solitary or isolated, but forever in relationship, in community, in fellowship (61). If “God is love” (I John 4:8), the nature of God beckons us to join him in fellowship for love cannot exist in solitary, only in relationship (62). As disciples, being “co-lovers with God of God, with God of one another, with God of the world” (64) gives us our meaning and purpose.
Chapter 4 – Entering the Trinity
Darrell Johnson refers to being with the Trinity “within the circle” (74) which reminds me of Psalm 25:14, "The secret counsel of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he reveals his covenant to them.” Apart from a sense of intimacy with the Lord, the idea of the round table of God comes to mind as he reveals his covenants, his secrets to us. I believe it is within this circle of intimacy with the Lord that he reveals himself where the us-ness is experienced (73). The “rich inter-connectedness” shared within the Trinity is ours to know and enjoy (78). In this inter-connectedness, I find the inner issues of being, doing, and belonging comes full circle as I “live and move and have my being” in God (Acts 17:27-28). There is no longer a sense of lostness as he reveals himself.
Chapter 5 – Experiencing the Trinity
There is something to quieting ourselves, as the Psalmist says, in the presence within the circle of the triune God to simply know him intimately and openly (Psalm 46:10). Within the circle, there is no more striving, but rather an experiencing, an enjoyment of fellowship with the Community. I am at rest. To experience the Trinity in prayer, or as Johnson says, to “pray the Trinity,” (91) is to not only direct your prayer to God but to experience him in it. To join with him in the fellowship that is in him. It is interesting to note how Johnson, in reference to the six movements of Paul’s prayer that starts and finishes with him calling on his “big God” (92) for the church at Ephesus, that all six points begin the same way, “I ask the Father to grant you out of the riches of his glory…” (93-100). Paul must have experienced something of those riches and intimacy with the Fellowship.
Chapter 6 – Epilogue
The Nicene Creed.
Conclusion – Reflection on the Experience
Experiencing the Trinity introduced me to the experience of the triune God in a way that is intimate and powerful. Going beyond the traditional approach of attempting to figure out the best way to explain the triune God with our limited finite ability helped me to tap into a deeper sense of experience where my mind gave way and I was able to experience Community within the circle deep in my heart. Johnson’s reference to Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians made it come alive and I was able to see things that I had never seen before and taste for myself something new in prayer with God. Sitting quietly on my sofa, I have a renewed sense of the Holy and a burning desire to always have present the us-ness. I am reminded of how we are made in God’s image and how that image is one of relationship, fellowship, and community.
Additional works cited:
O’Donnell, John. 1983. Trinity and Temporality. New York: Oxford University Press.
May 17, 2013
I loved this short book on the Trinity!
I found all of this particularly helpful because I was in the final stages of writing a similar book at the time of reading. As I was talking about my next book with a friend, he recommended this book, and I'm so glad he did!
I have read quite a few theological works on the doctrine of the Trinity, but this book is more applicational and experiential. I appreciated the invitation to explore the personal implications of the Trinity.
So often the Trinity is treated as a theological conundrum rather than an reflection on the implications of a God who is fundamentally relational. The Trinity is at the core of who God is and this book encourages us to move beyond mere knowledge of trinitarian doctrine to experiencing God for ourselves.
I found all of this particularly helpful because I was in the final stages of writing a similar book at the time of reading. As I was talking about my next book with a friend, he recommended this book, and I'm so glad he did!
I have read quite a few theological works on the doctrine of the Trinity, but this book is more applicational and experiential. I appreciated the invitation to explore the personal implications of the Trinity.
So often the Trinity is treated as a theological conundrum rather than an reflection on the implications of a God who is fundamentally relational. The Trinity is at the core of who God is and this book encourages us to move beyond mere knowledge of trinitarian doctrine to experiencing God for ourselves.
March 12, 2024
I like short books. They tend to be more concise and do a good job at clarifying a complex subject. This book does exactly that. It took a very complicated subject and communicated it with simplicity that helps give traction to the reader.
Not only did it help with my own thinking and wrestling on the subject but it allowed me to see the beauty of the Trinity in a new way. It will be the first book I give out to others who are also wrestling with this subject.
Not only did it help with my own thinking and wrestling on the subject but it allowed me to see the beauty of the Trinity in a new way. It will be the first book I give out to others who are also wrestling with this subject.
March 6, 2024
Pretty deep, and very challenging to follow. Plus poor editing missed a bunch of misspelled words and phrases. Huge pet peeve. Still, made me contemplate prior misconceived notions of the trinity in an interesting way.
February 27, 2023
PHENOMENAL little (100 pages!) book about the Trinity - a must read. I intend to purchase this one and go back to read it again. My new favourite Christian book without a doubt!
September 30, 2024
Devotional, even where technical.
January 1, 2025
Good, quick, lovely overview of Trinitarian theology, though its brevity obviously limits the depth of the book. This work is more devotional in nature, but a good companion work of comparable length is Michael Reeves’s “Delighting in the Trinity”.
September 12, 2025
A great book on trinity. Concise, clear, rich and worshipful.
September 29, 2025
Read this months ago and I forgot to add it here. Swiftly finished it in one night shift. I cannot say my brain wraps completely around the triune God, but for sure understand it better than before after this read. Thank you pastor Darrell
October 13, 2024
A wonderful (short!) explanation of what the Trinity is and why it matters.
February 1, 2019
Originally a collection of talks, this book is a simple introduction to the wondrous reality that “At the center of the universe there is a relationship.” That God is “Trinity” mystically signifies that God is everlasting love. What’s more, God so loved the world that Jesus shed blood to include us in the circle of God’s love. Now, we get to be “co-lovers” with God of the world as we invite others into God’s Trinitarian embrace. This is the true meaning of baptism “in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit” - one of the clearest statements of the Trinity in all of Scripture (Matthew 28). Perhaps it is so clearly stated here because baptism is the utmost symbol of our immersion and inclusion into the dynamic, living love of the Trinity. What could be more beautiful? All of these ideas and more are succinctly explored in this book. It will warm your heart and woo your soul to submerge even more deeply into God’s Trinitarian life and love.
February 28, 2015
Darrell Johnson writes in a most readable style on a topic that is deep and difficult for us humans to comprehend. This is by far the best book I've read on the Trinitarian God. I love the focus on experiencing the Trinity. As we become co-lovers in the circle of God's flow of love, we can experience his love as never before. Over the last few years I've been seeking to receive the Father's love so that I can love him back and love others with his love. I want to become his co-lover so that I can be more and more transformed into his likeness. It's a journey that will last throughout eternity.
November 23, 2021
Excellent short devotional kind of book. Theological argumentation for the Trinity from the "simple Jesus". Powerful explanations for the implications of the truth that God is Trinitarian. Prayerful exegesis of Ephesians 3:14-21 at the end of the book which was amazing.
I see myself returning to this book a few more times in the future.
I see myself returning to this book a few more times in the future.
November 12, 2013
Easily the most impactful book on my soul in 2013, will recommend to all I talk to, brings home the importance of being pulled into God's triune "self-knowing" (our being included, as Pastor J says), where we are never alone, but always filled up with His goodness, wisdom, energy and love.
December 29, 2019
This is a life-changing book about God. It took me from relating to God as three individual persons in the Godhead to a vision for life with the Trinity in a divine dance. It is my favorite book about Trinitarian theology.
March 12, 2010
Gives an overview of the Trinity and opens up our eyes to a relationship unlike any other with the Three who have perfect unity! I hightly recommend it. It is an easy fast read, but great material.
March 23, 2020
This book was tremendously helpful in helping me begin to understand Trinitarian doctrine.
November 11, 2019
Je l'ai trouvé un peu trop basique pour un livre de cours universitaire, mais probablement plus intéressant et utile comme lecture accessible.
June 27, 2024
I love this book in that it is a wonderful introduction to and exploration of what it means for people to participate in the life of the Trinity. This is the most mysterious and most glorious experience and it is also the whole point of the good news of Jesus coming, living, dying, being raised and ascending to reign over God’s enemies. Jesus did all of this not to just to take our guilt away, though that certainly happens, but to bring us into the shared life of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus did His work so we can return to what we were created for, to be participants in the divine nature.
While I love this book for calling us into this glorious and joy-filled mystery, it is a little repetitive. Regardless of this fault, I gave it five stars because it is a great place to start to explore why the doctrine of the Trinity matters. It is a doctrine not merely for theological nerds. It is the essence of life for all who believe, the doctrine from which all other doctrine flows.
While I love this book for calling us into this glorious and joy-filled mystery, it is a little repetitive. Regardless of this fault, I gave it five stars because it is a great place to start to explore why the doctrine of the Trinity matters. It is a doctrine not merely for theological nerds. It is the essence of life for all who believe, the doctrine from which all other doctrine flows.
May 1, 2023
The first edition has a few spelling and grammatical mistakes, but it seems they sorted it in the second.
This little book is an excellent introduction to the doctrine of the Trinity, that grounds the doctrine in doxology. He focuses on experiencing the God who has revealed God's self as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and cautions against this being just an intellectual exercise.
He doesn't go into the great expanse of the conversation, but he introduced you to the vocabulary, and the mis-steps of a doctrine of the Trinity.
A great place to start.
8.7/10
This little book is an excellent introduction to the doctrine of the Trinity, that grounds the doctrine in doxology. He focuses on experiencing the God who has revealed God's self as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and cautions against this being just an intellectual exercise.
He doesn't go into the great expanse of the conversation, but he introduced you to the vocabulary, and the mis-steps of a doctrine of the Trinity.
A great place to start.
8.7/10
June 7, 2020
Loved this little book, I’ve grown up as a follower of Jesus my whole life, and always bee. Scared of the topic of the trinity. I feel as though Darrell has completely removed those fears. He manages to handle such a complex subject simply, and easy to understand.
I highly recommend this book to any one looking to know more about the Trinity.
I highly recommend this book to any one looking to know more about the Trinity.
September 24, 2022
A concise review of this critical topic
I had never read anything on The Trinity until I read this brief and powerfully written book. Darrell W. Johnson does an amazing job offering an initial entry point into the wonderfully mysterious and life-changing reality of the unity and distinct roles of the "person's" of the Trinity. This book has really exposed me to the life changing idea of living my life in Christ in the Trinitarian reality as God intended. I am now deeply involved in reading a second book on The Trinity, but this book was a great place to start!
I had never read anything on The Trinity until I read this brief and powerfully written book. Darrell W. Johnson does an amazing job offering an initial entry point into the wonderfully mysterious and life-changing reality of the unity and distinct roles of the "person's" of the Trinity. This book has really exposed me to the life changing idea of living my life in Christ in the Trinitarian reality as God intended. I am now deeply involved in reading a second book on The Trinity, but this book was a great place to start!
December 5, 2022
An encouraging little book on the trinity. God created us and draws near to us in order to draw us into the loving relationship that is at the center of creation. To become co-lovers of God, one another & the world! I love how delighted and excited the author is throughout. He keeps it straightforward and encouraging!
September 18, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. It made me think of how much God wants us to draw nearer to him. I will read it again sometime because some books you just need to in order to get the full scope of understanding. This is one of those book.
September 22, 2024
Exceptional book for the clarity of language used and obvious joy the author has for the subject. Sheds important light on a much misunderstood aspect of Christian faith. God’s love finds it’s full expression through relationship.
January 6, 2020
Excellent!
January 23, 2020
Darrell Johnson's book always make me think. This one did.
April 15, 2020
Loved!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews