What is the Trinity?: Thinking about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

by Dale Tuggy

If you find the Trinity confusing, you are not alone! What does it mean to say God is “three Persons in one essence”? It might mean a number of things, and it has been understood in several ways by theologians. But how should it be understood, and how was it originally meant?This book shines light on the fog shrouding this subject, equipping you with basic information about the meaning and history of trinitarian ideas, so that you can see the various options and search the scriptures with fresh eyes.Topics What does it mean to say that the doctrine of the Trinity is a “mystery”?Is it true that if try to understand the Trinity you’ll lose your mind, but if you try to deny it you’ll lose your soul?What is the first known trinitarian creed? What did the ancient bishops mean in saying that the Father and Son are “one substance” or “one essence”?Is it true, as some Catholic scholars argue, that the Trinity is not taught in the Bible, although it is taught by later, authoritative sources?What happened at and just before the Council at Constantinople in 381, and why are these events important?Is it a mistake to think that the “Persons” of the Trinity are “persons in the modern sense of the term”?Are the “Persons” of the Trinity something like God’s three personalities?Why is it important to distinguish trinitarian formulas from trinitarian claims?Is the one God of the Bible an eternal, loving, perfect community?Introduction1 Don’t be Afraid to Think about God2 Formulas vs. Interpretations3 Trinity vs. trinity4 The “deity of Christ” vs. the Trinity5 Get a Date6 “Persons”7 “Substance” abuse?8 Mystery Mountain9 What’s a “God”?10 Says Who?EpilogueDale Tuggy (PhD, Brown University) is Professor of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Fredonia. He has authored about two dozen peer-reviewed articles and book chapters relating to the Trinity and other topics in analytic theology and philosophy of religion. He has blogged since 2006, and since 2013 has hosted and produced the trinities podcast.

Genres: Christianity, Theology

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2019

Reviews

[Mike Felker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that any Trinitarian should consider reading. This is especially the case for those who can at least provide a definition of something like, “The one being of God exists as three distinct co-equal and co-eternal persons.” It’s one thing to recite and believe it, but another to actually know what it means. Tuggy’s book basically picks this definition apart, as well as other conceptions. It’s a valuable thing to note that there isn’t just one Trinity doctrine. Or at least there’s not one simple way to express it that every Trinitarian would agree with. If you can get through this book, understand what Tuggy is arguing, and come out the other end with your view reinforced, then I’d say you are thinking about this issue in a way you’re supposed to. Any doctrine you hold should be able to withstand rigorous critique. What I appreciate about this book is that Tuggy isn’t taking a hard Unitarian stand, though he does show his cards at times. But what I don’t like is that it is primarily centered around analytic theology. There is little to no biblical exegesis. He could have discussed the Scriptures more without necessarily taking a stand, just as he didn’t with the philosophical discussions. As far as the most challenging chapter, it would definitely be the one dealing with nature/essence/substance. Personally, I find the monarchical view to be the best conception of the doctrine. For the most part, those who hold the monarchy view will be the least challenged by most of the chapters, save the one in essence. Those of the Athanasian persuasion will find the other chapters more challenging.

[Nicholas A. Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tuggy takes the scalpel of theological, philosophical, and logical thought to dissect the dogma of the Trinity. He provides well thought out conclusions considering the divers definitions of the Trinity. He breaks down the creeds and councils following the historical thought. It’s not a very large book, but a wonderful book to stir thought. Overall, he provides a great analysis against the doctrine of the Trinity, and provides great thoughts about the language of distinction in the Bible concerning the Father and the Son. I do believe the author has provided rather poor conclusions concerning the Identity of Jesus, himself coming to a Unitarian perspective of only the Father being God and the Son being just a unique human.

As the author puts in the final chapter about the entire issue, “Again, you must judge for yourself. It is you who will have to give account for what you believe.” (pg 136)

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Decent Primer on (t)rinitarian Theology

I came across the work of Dr. Tuggy as I was going down the YouTube rabbit hole. I would probably just say that this book as good if you want to be stretched. I have some slight grief with the book, mostly that I feel like Dr. Tuggy very quickly "knocks down" the contending trinitarian formula and then moves on (perhaps I am not correct in my analysis). I would still highly recommend this book for all who seeking to be a good Berean.

[Tre Brickley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear Thinking About a Confusing Issue

Far from a biased book attempting to persuade readers to accept one view, this book simply surveys the relevant issues and asks relevant questions while providing sound advice for moving forward and getting past the confusion. Dr. Tuggy is clearly a clear thinker asking clear questions about a confusing issue and providing clear guidance for a way forward to clarity.

[Joshua Crutchfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

What is Scholarship?

The book lacks any clear methodology, is overly sarcastic with the feeble attempt of being altruistic, and routinely misrepresents the theologians (apologists) he quotes. The rating is not due to my disagreement with Tuggy, it is because there are better books out there that fairly and with appropriate reverance, treat this important subject.

[Jacob Ballard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and easy reading of a deep and complex subject. A great starting point to get a lay of the land on the Trinity/trinity and to start a renewed study of God’s word to learn who is God, and who is the Father, who is the Son and who (or what) is the Holy Spirit.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dale Tuggy is a philosopher and sometimes his explanations go over my head. 😃 But I agree with his conclusions about the trinity and give the book 5 stars for that.