Unique for its breadth in studying theologians not only from Europe and North America but also from Latin America, Asia, and Africa, this landmark volume introduces the doctrine of the Trinity, examining the work and thought of contemporary theologians throughout the world. In part 1, Kärkkäinen provides an overview of the biblical roots of the doctrine, discussing both the idea of plurality in God in the Old Testament and the rise of Trinitarian understandings in the New Testament. In part 2, he details the historical growth of Trinitarian traditions. And then, in parts 3 and 4, he delves into specific Western theologies and non-Western theologies, respectively, introducing the thought of Karl Rahner, Jürgen Moltmann, Elizabeth Johnson, S. Mark Heim, Leonardo Boff, Jung Young Lee, and A. O. Ogbonnaya, among many others. Also including both an introductory consideration of the doctrine’s significance and a concluding assessment and agenda for future thought, Kärkkäinen’s The Trinity is the broadest and most comprehensive contemporary study on the Trinity available.
Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen is Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to Fuller, Kärkkäinen served as president and professor at IsoKirja College in Keuruu, Finland. He is the author of a number of books, including One with God: Salvation as Deification and Justification (2005).