The Doctrine of the Trinity

In McGrath's "Theology: The Basics", chapter 6 is Trinity. Below is a brief outline of the subject:

1. Historical Development of the Doctrine of the Trinity

A. God the Father
   Deity recognized & established during the OT period
B. God the Son
   Revealed in OT, but not clearly
   Revealed fully in NT as the the Son of God
   Deity 'established' by early church
C. God the Holy Spirit
   Revealed in OT & NT, but not clearly
   Activity realized in early church
   Divinity 'established' by Early Church Fathers ca 4th century

2. Trinity and the Holy Spirit

A. Images of the Spirit of God
   Affirmation - John 4:24
B. Wind - ruach
   The Red Sea Exodus 14:21
   Judgement Isaiah 40:7
   Destroying Pride various
   Refreshment Hosea 6:3
C. Breath - ruach
   Creation breathing into Adam
   Prophecy Dry Bones
   In Creation various
D. Charism & the Prophetic Office
E. Divinity Question regarding the Holy Spirit

3. Trinity as Naming God - Robert Jenson


4. Barth


Barth's doctrine of the Trinity, as far as it is represented by McGrath, centers on the idea that the knowledge of God the Father and God the Son is predicated on the activity of God the Holy Spirit.

We shall try to make sense of that Sunday.

Solo Deo Gloria,
jason