A low-flying trinitarian theology

Abstract

My own theology is, I think, both trinitarian and pragmatic, though I locate the practical significance of trinitarian reflections a bit differently than do some recent writers. Moreover, my metaphysically 'low flying' reflections put me at odds with the 'maximal' cast of much mainline trinitarian thinking, which, as B. A. Gerrish points out, 'insists that the presence of God in Christ and the church requires us to think of two further hypostases in addition to the Father' (Gerrish 2015:305). I therefore qualify as a participant in one or another phase of a trinitarian renaissance only if the net is cast rather widely. Let me explain. Christian theology and its trinitarian visionWhether trinitarian or otherwise, Christian theology is itself, I believe, a historically particular and practical wisdom with a rather definite pastoral aim. Enriched by interactions with other traditions, sources of insight and ideas, it makes use of resources drawn from the Bible and from Christian traditions to formulate a vision of God, the world and ourselves that help people take The claim is sometimes made (and also contested) that, following contributions of Karl Barth and Karl Rahner, there has been a renewal of interest in the doctrine of the Trinity among Christian theologians. This essay further develops the metaphysically circumspect or 'lowflying' trinitarian theology I present in A Theology for the Twenty-First Century.