The Making of Trinity: Tracing the Origins, Evolution, and Living Faith of the Triune God

The Making Of Trinity: Tracing the Origins, Evolution, and Living Faith of the Triune God by Matt Morissen is a comprehensive theological exploration of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Moving away from viewing the Trinity as a "distant abstraction" or a "theological puzzle," Morissen presents it as a vibrant, relational reality that is foundational to Christian identity, worship, and ethics.The book follows a chronological and thematic trajectory:Biblical Foundations: It begins by identifying "shadows" of the Trinity in the Old Testament, such as the plural name Elohim, the "Spirit of God" in creation, and the personification of Wisdom. It then moves to the New Testament, where the relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is explicitly revealed through the incarnation of Jesus and the descent of the Spirit at Pentecost.Historical Development: The narrative traces the evolution of the doctrine through the Early Church councils, the wisdom of the Patristic Fathers (such as Athanasius and Augustine), Medieval Scholasticism, and the Reformation.Contemporary Perspectives: Morissen bridges ancient mystery with modern concerns by incorporating feminist, liberation, and process theology. These perspectives explore the Trinity's relevance to social justice, community transformation, and breaking down hierarchies.Lived Faith: A significant portion of the book focuses on the practical application of the doctrine. It argues that the Trinity is "lived and breathed" through liturgy, spiritual formation, and an ethical life that mirrors the "divine dance" (perichoresis) of mutual love and communal unity.Ultimately, the Making of Trinity invites readers to embrace the "paradox" of a God who is both utterly one and a communion of three persons, offering a radical image of unity that respects diversity. Read more