The Story of the Trinity
Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed
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About
Christians believe in the Trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Yet many would be hard-pressed to explain why they believe this, or even where it might be found in Scripture. But that doesn't mean we're blindly following a merely human tradition. It just means we don't know the story of how the early church came to understand the triune nature of our God--or why it matters to believers today.
In engaging, accessible prose, The Story of the Trinity relates the settings, characters, and conflicts that led to the creation of the Nicene Creed, a simple yet beautiful statement of faith that helped early Christians express their beliefs. Rather than getting bogged down in dry semantics, this book recounts the dynamic story of how the one God revealed himself as trifold in both biblical testaments. The Trinity emerges from the pages of Scripture itself. Litfin unfolds this core doctrine of the church so that it not only makes sense, but it brings glory to God and expresses the true nature of the gospel.
If you've struggled to understand this essential yet often overlooked doctrine, The Story of the Trinity invites you to discover one of the most beautiful expressions of God's love for us, laid out in one of the church's most elegant and edifying creeds.
Endorsements
"This book is riddled with so many biblical truisms about the character and compassion of our Creator Redeemer, I found myself amening out loud before finishing the first chapter! And while his doctrinal content is substantive, Dr. Litfin's writing style is refreshingly unstuffy. He generously puts the proverbial cookies of creedal theology on a shelf where everyone can enjoy them and lean further into the unconditional love of our Triune God as a result. In my experience as an oft-bumbling Christ follower, vocational Bible teacher, and doctoral candidate, it's a glorious gift to get to sit at the feet of a brilliant theological scholar who has the tender heart of a pastor. The Story of the Trinity is that kind of experience."
Lisa Harper, bestselling author, speaker, and host of the Back Porch Theology podcast
"Bryan M. Litfin's exhaustive new study of the history of the Nicene Council and its creed, a study I highly recommend, appropriately appears on the 1,700th anniversary of that council. How encouraging to observe such a rigorous study from a well-known evangelical theologian!"
Patrick Henry Reardon, senior editor, Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity
"In my experience, many readers are overwhelmed by theological jargon about the Trinity or the person and work of Jesus Christ. If this describes you, then let Bryan M. Litfin be your guide. The Story of the Trinity is a masterclass in distilling biblical, theological, and historical content into an engaging and enjoyable narrative of cosmic proportions. Skeptics and believers alike will profit from Litfin's charm and sagacity. Whether you are a new convert or a seasoned disciple, The Story of the Trinity will eloquently and lovingly guide you toward the shores of truth amid the spiritual storms of life."
Coleman M. Ford, PhD, assistant professor of humanities, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Bryan M. Litfin's The Story of the Trinity offers a clear, engaging exploration of the Trinity and its central role in salvation. Tracing Old Testament monotheism, the divinity of Jesus, and the Nicene debates, Litfin connects ancient theology to the heart of the Christian gospel. This work invites readers to understand the eternal relationship within God and its implications for human salvation, offering a compelling reflection on God's love as revealed in Jesus Christ."
Karin Spiecker Stetina, PhD, professor of theology, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
"The Story of the Trinity is a marvelous resource, introducing readers to the historical, ecclesial, and political contexts related to the Councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381). Offering careful and contextual insights regarding the participants and the theological issues, Bryan M. Litfin has given us an excellent introduction to and exposition of the Nicene Creed. I am delighted to recommend this thoughtful, timely, accessible, and carefully presented work."
David S. Dockery, president, International Alliance for Christian Education; president and distinguished professor of theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Dr. Liftin has written an engaging, learned, and accessible story of the Trinity through the lens of the Nicene Creed and the biblical witness. Readers will discover much that is edifying, insightful, and uplifting to the glory of God! In our day of theological laxity and sometimes waywardness, it is so important that we root our faith in what is substantial and true and have a full grasp in particular of the biblical and historical teaching of the Trinity. Read and enjoy!"
Dr. Josh Moody, senior pastor, College Church in Wheaton; president, God Centered Life Ministries
"The Nicene Creed has been a bastion of orthodoxy for 1,700 years, affirming the biblical truth of the full deity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This accessible and engaging book brings to life the circumstances surrounding the creation and aftermath of this historic confession. It is a must-read for believers seeking to deepen their understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity and how the church came to define it."
Heinrich Johnsen, president, Christian Art Publishing
"In The Story of the Trinity, Bryan M. Litfin masterfully shows that the better you understand the Trinity, the better you will understand the gospel, and the better you understand the gospel, the better you will understand the Trinity. In this wonderfully helpful and readable book, Litfin shows that theology does not develop in a vacuum but in the often messy process of church history. In this book, you will find biblically grounded thinking, enlightening historical theology, and devotional insights that nourish the soul."
Erik Thoennes, PhD, professor of theology, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; pastor, Grace Evangelical Free Church of La Mirada
The Author
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© Mullins Media Bryan M. Litfin
Bryan M. Litfin is the coauthor of Herod & Mary and author of Early Christian Martyr Stories, After Acts, and Getting to Know the Church Fathers, as well as the Constantine's Empire series of historical fiction....
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