The Trinity: How Not to be a Heretic

2015 | Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences

"Trinity" is Christianity's most basic description of who God actually is-and who he needs to be in order to save us. It is at the very heart of what Christians believe, and very little else in Christianity makes sense without it. Despite this, a great many Christians, including significant numbers of teachers, catechists, and preachers, do not feel confident in talking about it. It is not that they don't believe in the Trinity, because they certainly do. But they are not altogether sure that what they think they believe about it is what they are "supposed" to, and they fear both revealing their ignorance, and leading others astray. The central idea of this book is that, contrary to popular assumption, the Trinity is a very simple doctrine. It consists of just three short, deeply scriptural convictions: i) There is only one God; ii) Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all God; and iii) Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not the same. The Trinity: How Not to be a Heretic explains how the earliest Christians came to be convinced by each statement, why they matter, and how-slowly, over a period of several centuries-it found a way of saying all three at once.

Its sole purpose is to help Christians of all kinds better understand the Trinity, so that they can then help others-Christians, non-Christians, and maybe even some not-yet-Christians-better understand it too. 'Muslim Cambridge theologian Tim Winter has accused Christian Clergy of being unable to explain the doctrine of the Trinity. Anyone who wants to read a clear exposition should get hold of The Trinity: How not to be Heretic. Stephen Bullivant...is obviously a gifted teacher and writes clearly and persuasively on a topic that causes some Christians to stumble.' -- The Church of England Newspaper 'This witty and well-balanced book provides an excellent introduction to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and shows how consciously and obediently relating to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forms the heart of all truly Christian faith. The clarity and accessibility of the book reflects the way it has emerged from interactive teaching of graduates and undergraduates...All in all, The Trinity: How not to be a Heretic will serve very well not only teachers and students in an academic setting but also other groups and individuals who want to deepen their understanding and love of the God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

' - Gerald O'Collins SJ, AC, Pastoral Review '"The deeper we explore the Trinity," Bullivant writes, "the darker and harder our way becomes", but it is a journey shared by almost every Christian and Bullivant is a wonderful guide.' - Catholic Herald

Stephen Bullivant (Author)