Robert Letham

This is an absolutely outstanding book that deals with one of the doctrines of Christian faith that is hardest to grasp: that of the Trinity. What does it mean to say that God is one God, revealed in three persons? That basic question, and possibly every ramification that flows from trying to understand the Trinity, is dealt with masterfully in this volume.

Robert Letham begins his exploration of the Trinity in Scripture, then works through the historical development in both the Eastern and show more Western churches, reviews the modern discussion of the Trinity and then closes by addressing current ways in which understanding the Trinity is critical to the church today. Letham's premise is that understanding the Trinity well is essential to the church and lies at the heart of everything the church believes. And he holds this position knowing better than most people how difficult it is to grasp, define, understand and worship God as Triune. I felt that among the strengths of this work were the way Letham reviewed the historical and modern discussions of the Trinity. In doing so he went at length into the writings of a number of significant leaders in the church, such as Athanasius, Arius, Augustine, the Cappadocian's, Calvin, Barth and Rahner, showing both the strengths and weaknesses in their apprehension of the Trinity.

And perhaps apprehend is the best word to describe this book, for even with Letham's expertise, he freely acknowledges is there is much about the Trinity that will always be outside of our understanding. He pulls this volume together so that we may grow in our apprehension of the Trinity, and thereby grow in our love of God and our ability to give Him the glory that He alone is due. show less

Searching for information that would brush away the misty vale that has always obscured my understanding of Eastern Orthodoxy, I came upon Robert Letham's "Through Western Eyes" which exceeded my expectations. Not only highly informative, but also very fair and irenic, the author opened my eyes to issues where the Eastern church has much to contribute to a fuller understanding of the faith as well as areas where they could learn from adherents to Reformed theology.

Letham, a Reformed theologian, reviews the history and theology of the Orthodox church, with the goal of clarifying the common ground and differences between the Orthodox and Reformed theology as represented by the Westminster Confession. His is an irenic approach, but does not paper over what he perceives to be the real differences between the traditions. He surveys the church councils and gives a précis of the primary fathers and influential theologians of the Orthodox. For some readers show more the detailed tracking of changes and differences in theological formulations of the Trinity and Christology will be off putting. For those interested in church history and history of doctrine, this book is a great read. show less

When it comes to the doctrine of the Trinity, evangelicals have underachieved. In The Holy Trinity Robert Letham helps to redress this shortcoming. He offers a well-researched volume about "the One who is utterly transcendent and incomprehensible." After examining the doctrine’s biblical foundations, the author traces its historical development through the twentieth century, and engages four critical issues: the Trinity and (1) the incarnation, (2) worship and prayer, (3) creation and show more missions, and (4) persons. show less