Ralph Cunnington has offered us a great gift for growing in grace and truth. Rooted in Robert Letham’s “distinct but inseparable” formula for examining biblical truth, and drawing deeply on both patristic and Reformed traditions, Cunnington proves to be a clear and trustworthy teacher of central doctrines in our faith and a seasoned pastoral guide through some of the most vital conversations Christians engage in today. Perfect Unity isn’t simply an able explanation of the Bible’s teaching concerning God, the world, and the gospel but a wise handbook on how these truths are applied to answer some of the most pressing questions of our time, including identity, gender, holiness, and the fabric of community in the church. Perfect Unity is a must-read. I commend it to all with prayers for its every fruitfulness on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond.
The great contemporary challenge that faces humanity is how to achieve real unity without obliterating our diversity. Ralph Cunnington shows that the answer to this conundrum is not to be found in secular philosophies and ideologies but in the core truths of the Christian faith, which reveal the principle of “distinct but inseparable.” Expounding Scripture and drawing on many of the great theologians of church history, he shows that this principle is ultimately rooted in the eternal Trinitarian nature of God, embodied in the person of Christ and worked out in our salvation and the Christian life. Accessibly but not simplistically, he examines creation, justification, sanctification, and the church and shows how they all reflect the “distinct but inseparable” paradigm. He helpfully shows how this provides a better framework for overcoming division in hotly contested areas such as race and gender. Readers will gain a fresh perspective that will enable them to relate their faith to our cultural context with confidence and a renewed longing for the coming of God’s kingdom of perfect peace and unity. It will guard us against the perennial danger of separating what God has joined together.
Brilliant and concise, rooted in pastoral experience, with an abundance of striking examples, this is a great book for new Christians and older ones alike. Cunnington’s argument provides a key to unlocking many of the central doctrines of the faith.
You notice a loose thread and instinctively begin to pull it. Then you realize that disaster is imminent; you are in danger of unravelling the whole garment. But if you keep pulling, you will discover how the cloth has been woven together. Is it worth continuing to pull? In Perfect Unity, Ralph Cunnington skillfully shows us that when it comes to the Christian faith, there is a loose thread that is worth pulling. Why? Because this thread will help us appreciate how beautifully God has woven the gospel—what John Calvin called “the garment” in which Christ has clothed himself. So what is this “loose thread”? The answer may surprise you. It is “distinct but inseparable.” Intrigued? Then read on!
Ralph Cunnington writes with the theological precision of a professor and the sensitivity of a seasoned pastor. As I read Perfect Unity, I found myself rejoicing in the depth and beauty of the triune God and his creation. The book explains deep theological truth with clarity, accessibility, and power. Cunnington convincingly argues that unity in the midst of diversity is the footprint God left all over his creation and that understanding the distinct but inseparable unity of the triune God lifts us above the confusion of our present day to worship the everlasting God in all his glory. This excellent book will be a resource I use again and again in small groups and discipleship.
The strength of this book is rooted in Cunnington’s clarity as he shapes the church’s engagement with pressing contemporary challenges by two things: God as Trinity and the display of God’s nature in the gospel. He then shows that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the solution to all the issues that face the church today.
Humanity is destined to live in love across lines of deep difference. This destiny is rooted in the beauty of our triune God, who is eternally existent as beautiful community, the perfection of unity in diversity and diversity in unity. Despite this truth, Christians are still struggling to persevere in pursuing beautiful community to the glory of God. We continue to need faithful servants of the Lord to lay a clear path for us to follow. In Perfect Unity, Pastor Ralph Cunnington systematically and practically grounds us in the knowledge of God, the implications for our life together as his people, and the way we bear witness for beauty in a confused and broken world. May God be pleased to bear much fruit for his glory for those who heed the wisdom in this book!
This is a great introduction to Christian doctrine—not too light, not too heavy, but just right. The running theme of “distinct but inseparable” is both profound and memorable, and the discussion questions make it suitable for both individuals and groups. Recommended.
In many of our pressing concerns, there is a delicate dance between unity and diversity. How can we honor a tapestry of difference while cherishing the threads that hold it together? How can we differentiate without risking fragmentation? Ralph Cunnington adeptly contends that the biblical blueprint offers a compelling solution: the profound truth that entities can be distinct yet inseparable. Perfect Unity not only equips us to navigate today’s most contentious issues but also guides us on a transformative journey as Christians, leading us to a deeper, revitalized worship of the God who embodies unity in diversity.
In a world frayed by polarization and divisiveness, Perfect Unity invites the reader to begin and end by looking up at the Godhead, our reference point for unity in diversity. It is a concise and accessible primer ideal for small groups to unpack core sound doctrines that will lead to sound, or healthy, lives and churches.
This is a great introduction to Christian doctrine, not too light, not too heavy, but just right. The running theme of 'distinct but inseparable' is both profound and memorable, and the discussion questions make it suitable for both individuals and groups. Recommended
Ralph Cunnington writes with the theological precision of a professor and the sensitivity of a seasoned pastor. As I read Perfect Unity, I found myself rejoicing in the depth and beauty of the triune God and his creation. The book explains deep theological truth with clarity, accessibility, and power. Cunnington convincingly argues that unity in the midst of diversity is the footprint God left all over his creation, and that understanding the distinct but inseparable unity of the triune God lifts us above the confusion of our present day to worship the everlasting God in all his glory. This excellent book will be a resource I use again and again in small groups and discipleship.
Jenny Manley https://thegoodportionbooks.com/jenny/
The great contemporary challenge facing humanity is how to achieve real unity without obliterating our diversity. Ralph Cunnington shows that the answer to this conundrum is not to be found in secular philosophies and ideologies, but in the core truths of the Christian faith, which reveal the principle of ‘distinct but inseparable.’ Expounding Scripture and drawing on many of the great theologians of church history, he shows that this principle is ultimately rooted in the eternal Trinitarian nature of God, embodied in the person of Christ and worked out in our salvation and the Christian life. Accessibly but not simplistically he examines creation, justification, sanctification and the church, and shows how they all reflect the ‘distinct but inseparable’ paradigm. He helpfully shows how this provides a better framework for overcoming division in hotly contested areas such as race and gender. Readers will gain a fresh perspective that will enable them to relate their faith to our cultural context with confidence, and a renewed longing for the coming of God’s kingdom of perfect peace and unity. It will guard us against the perennial danger of separating what God has joined together.
John Stevens - National Director FIEC
You notice a loose thread and instinctively begin to pull it. Then you realise that disaster is imminent; you are in danger of unravelling the whole garment. But on the other hand, if you keep pulling you will discover how it has been woven together. So perhaps it is worth continuing to pull? Here, in Perfect Unity, Ralph Cunnington skilfully shows us that when it comes to the Christian faith there is a “loose thread” that is worth "pulling." Why? Because this thread will help us appreciate how beautifully God has woven the gospel—what John Calvin called “the garment" in which Christ has clothed himself. So what is this "loose thread"? The answer may surprise you. It is “Distinct, but inseparable.” Intrigued? Then read on!
