The Trinity in German Thought

by Samuel M. Powell

Overview

This book is about the Christian doctrine of the Trinity as it has developed in Germany. It argues there are three main ideas in that development: first, the way in which the Trinity has been seen as similar to the human self; second, the way in which differing understandings of revelation have affected people's attitude toward the doctrine; and third, the ways in which differing understandings of the conception of history have affected people's attitudes toward the doctrine.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521092920
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/08/2009
Pages:	292
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.90(d)

Table of Contents

Foreword; Introduction; 1. Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon; 2. Between scholastic theology and enlightenment; 3. The critical enlightenment; 4. Hegel; 5. Liberal theology; 6. The twentieth century; Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

"The most salient virtue of the lucid and reader-friendly text is that it provides an eminently useful map for reading modern Protestant thought in general, and modern trinitarian thought in particular." Theological Studies

"The Trinity in German Thought is a superb analysis of the theological development of trinitarian theology in German Protestantism from the Reformation through the twentieth century. Powell's thesis is solid. ...Powell clearly demonstrates his thesis with critical insight and a breadth of knowledge that spans three centuries. His arguments are lucidly articulated and carefully nuanced. His grasp of diverse and difficult writers and the historical development of theological ideas is skillful and to be highly commended. Powell's publication is a signifcant contribution to Trinitarian thought, with a critical awareness of theological, philosophical, and historical distinctions." Toronto Journal of Theology

"A book that desperately needed to be written... engaging and stimulating...I highly recommend this book to professors and pastors alike who are interested in the many fascinating dimensions of the doctrine of the Trinity in contemporary debate." Anglican Theological Review Review

"Powell has here presented a detailed and convincing study of the way in which the three key ideas - revelation, selfhood, and history - have influenced German trinitarian thought." Theology Today

"With its breadth and clarity, this work is certainly to be recommended as a survey text for seminarians and others, and its usefulness as a reference work is enhanced by extensive footnotes citing German texts, and also by the inclusion of an extensive bibliography and index." Asbury Theological Journal

"Particularly for students of Leibniz, German idealism in general, and Hegel in particular, this book will be an invaluable source of information about the historical and theological context within which these philosophies need to be interpreted." Philosophy in Review

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