Proclaimer Blog
Connected
So, yet another book on the Trinity, or something fresh?
Something fresh, by which I don't mean something that is not orthodox, but a book on the Trinity that is both deep and accessible, theologically rich yet pastorally applied. Sam Allberry's new book on the Trinity, Connected, is well worth some of your English pounds (or US dollars). Here's why I really enjoyed it:
- it covers all the theological bases without becoming a theological text book. It would be very easy for an author to think "these are the things that I must cover; one chapter on this, one on that." No, this book works more logically than that. One section leads to another, one chapter leads to another.
- it maintains an awe and wonder at the doctrine of the Trinity. It is easy, in trying to make a book accessible, to dumb down the content. Not so here. Sam covers all the bases whilst avoiding the techno-babble. If this book does not move your heart to worship, then you are one cold fish!
- it makes the doctrine of the Trinity immensely practical, and I mean immensely. I don't know if you've ever stopped to think about this, but a doctrine which is only useful for completing college essays has almost certainly been either misunderstood or over-valued. So often, this is the case with the way the Trinity is presented. Not here. I love the way that page after page works through the truths Sam explains with warm pastoral application. Given the current climate, the section which works through Trinitarian implications for marriage, gender and sexuality is especially helpful.
"Often in Western culture, two people are only considered to be equal if they allowed to do exactly the same things. But this is not so within the Trinity. Equality is not sameness. And the different roles being exercised are how we end up with the God we know and love."
Well said! Possibly this is one of the THE foundational errors undermining today's societies?
This is my highest commendation: Miss R number 1 (not to be confused with Mrs R), aged 17, will get this as a present from me. She has been asking for something to read on the Trinity and so far I have given her Stuart Olyott's excellent little introduction. But she will find this more accessible, more practical, just as thorough (perhaps more so), more uplifting.
I also learnt (and this is key) that the way to spot gap year students is that they wear beads. Now I know….
And to finish – here's the Boss's commendation (not Bruce Springsteen, but Vaughan Roberts):
This is heart-warming, awe-inspiring teaching which will fill the mind and feed the soul. Deep truths are expounded with a light touch and down-to-earth applications. Here is a book that will not only help readers to understand more deeply the mystery of God the Holy Trinity, but also moved us to worship and honour him in daily life.