A Brief History of the Doctrine of the Trinity in the Early Church

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Franz Dnzl gives an account of the formation of the doctrine of the Trinity in a narrative based on contemporary sources: as he remarks in the preface, he wants to describe the human struggle over the truth of the Christian image of God and as far as possible let the early Christians speak for themselves. His main concern is to describe the dynamic of the disputes over the theology of the Trinity in a vivid way which is easy to follow, pointing out the foundations of the doctrine and the decisive shifts in its development. He tries to see the often bitter discussion not as a barren dispute but as an evolutionary process in which the rivalry is a necessary and positive factor in moving the debate forward. After an introduction to the problem, the book describes the beginning of christology and the first models of the relationship between 'Father' and 'Son': it then describes the controversies leading up to the Council of Nicaea, which are discussed at length, going on to show how Nicaea didn't settle the question and continuing the account up to the Council of Constantinople in 381. It brings out the political influences which governed this second stage of the discussion in an illuminating way. A survey and bibliography round the book off.

Reviews

Professor Dnzl's book gives a clear and concise account of what one might call the public history of the doctrine of the Trinity. The various tributaries to the development of the doctrine, biblical and philosophical, are lucidly described and clear paths traced through the complex debates of the fourth century. The role of the West and the papacy, often neglected in this context, is given careful attention. It provides an unparalleled introduction to the subject. -- Prof Andrew Louth, University of Durham
"It is truly a clear account of the complicated emergence of the Trinitarian doctrine in the Christian tradition. While it is written with the novice theologian in mind, it offers important insights for any theologian interested in Trinitarian theology...This book is highly recommended not only as a textbook for beginners in theology but also for those whose task is to interpret the past to the present." Lucien J. Richard, Catholic Library World, May 2008 -- Lucien J. Richard
"Dunzl's honest and sobering look at the origins of the Christian faith is essential for critically minded Christians and thinkers." -Brian M. Doyle, Catholic Books Review
"This book functions as a handy textbook for the student. Its short and descriptive chapters allow for quick accessibility to information that might otherwise be presented exhaustively in other books on the subject. there is a map of the Mediterranean and a list of references for further reading - perhaps only a glossary is missing, keeping it from being the perfect early history pocketbook to the doctrine of the Trinity." -- Michael Jendza, Graduate Theological Union, Anglican Theological Review -- Michael Jendza, Graduate Theological Union * Anglican Theological Review *
'Told with brevity and clarity, but without simplification...[Franz Dunzl] is able to make a difficult subjcect accessible to a wide readership...[they] help us to understand the Church Fathers and their struggles, and so also share with them in their search for the truth.' -- Jihn Binns * Church Times *
"Dunzl's fascinating account" 1 July 2009 -- Charlotte Methuen * Theology *

Author Bio

Franz Dnzl is Professor of Early Church History and Patristics at the University of Wrzburg, Germany.