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October 10, 2005
Review of Trinity & Reality
In his book Trinity & Reality, Ralph Smith ably accomplishes the purpose he set for himself from the beginning: “In this book we will explore the meaning of the doctrine of the Trinity for the Christian worldview, aiming at an exposition of the Christian understanding of the world that is both biblical and God-centered, and also … clear and practical, with strong implications for the Christian life” (xiii). Besides one’s understanding of the world, Smith uses the word “worldview” to signify a “way of life,” “the story of the world” and of God’s people, “aesthetics,” “religious sensibility,” and “attitude on life” (xiii). Thus, for Smith, the doctrine of the Trinity is not just a doctrine; it is a truth that encompasses all aspects of reality.
Smith begins by outlining the basics of the biblical teaching of the Trinity. Perhaps more than any other doctrine, the Trinity is universally affirmed by all branches of Christ’s church. Thus, this book may be profitably read by Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant Christians. Smith states that the Trinity may be established from Scripture by proving the following five propositions: “there is one God; the Father is God; the Son is God; the Spirit is God; and the Father, Son, and Spirit are distinguishable persons in relationship with one another” (3). The doctrine of the Trinity must be discovered in Scripture and believed by faith rather than arrived at by reason. Scripture, therefore, is the key. “God’s revelation in His Word is our ultimate standard for judging all that we know and learn, while it presupposes that God is revealing Himself in every thing that He created and in the process of history as well” (14).
Based upon his brief introduction to the biblical basis of the Trinity, Smith spends the rest of book exploring its implications in every realm of truth. Though the doctrine of the Trinity may seem difficult or even contradictory, “truth is an entirely rational and perfect system, for God cannot contradict Himself” (17). God as Trinity is a personal God, interacting in fellowship within Himself. Christianity is the only religion whose God is not only absolute but also personal. Thus, God Himself is the ground of all personal virtues like righteousness, faithfulness, and goodness. For instance, “righteousness for the triune God means that each of the persons respects and preserves the boundaries of the others” (19).
Probably the best portion of Smith’s book is in Chapters 3, in which he explores the truth that “what God does in history reveals who He is in eternity” (31). The nature of God is the foundation of all earthly relationships. In God, the essence or bond of the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is love. “God’s covenant love for His people reflects something deeper and more wonderful: the eternal self-denying love that each of the Persons of the Trinity has for the others” (38). Men who live in a covenant relationship with God indwell within God and God within them. “God in His saving grace brings His people into that same covenantal love that is shared by the Persons of the Trinity” (45). Also, highly significant in this regard is Smith’s work on the essence of a worldview, which I would categorize into metaphysics (transcendence), priority (hierarchy), ethics (commandments), epistemology (sanctions), and teleology (succession).
Throughout the rest of the book Smith discusses many issues that may be traced directly to one’s worldview. He demonstrates the superiority of the Christian view of the origin of the world over the Big Bang theory. His view of Christian cosmogony is essentially covenantal. “The covenantal meaning of the world, then, is that the world is the love gift of the Father through the Spirit to the Son. It is an expression of the covenantal fellowship of love in the Trinity, an aspect of their mutual enjoyment of one another” (58). This understanding also establishes a symbolic view of reality. Furthermore, Smith discusses God’s purpose for creation, His revelation of Himself to creation, and God’s work in history—including the “problem” of evil, miracles, the incarnation, the gospel, the kingdom of God, and the great commission. Each of these issues is properly understood only within a Christian, Trinitarian world.
Smith continues by describing the significance of the Trinity to an individual’s role in society. He answers questions that concern the relationship between an individual and the society in which he lives. He states, “our self—who we are—is determined by our relationships, just as the three Persons of the Trinity are who they are in their mutual relationships” (163). He speaks of the covenantal institutions that God has established in the family, the church, and the state. To end, Smith deals with the issues concerning eternity: hell, heaven, and eschatology. Only as the Christian understands these topics in relation to the Trinity can he adequately live consistently with the biblical teaching. Our understanding of who God is and our relationship with God as Father, Son, and Spirit guide us in our expectation of heaven and the end of time. “The enjoyment of God includes the enjoyment of all the things He created and of every gift He gives. … Every biblical expression that points to the fullness of our salvation leads us to contemplate the greatness and wonder of God Himself. In order for us to enjoy and glorify Him as we should, Paul tells us that we will be made like Him” (201).
Without a doubt this book is foundational to a completely and distinctively biblical worldview. Especially for those who are not yet familiar with thinking in presuppositional or worldview terms, Trinity & Reality demonstrates that everything a Christian knows and does finds its source in our God. Highly recommended for Christians from all traditions!
Posted by jhyink at October 10, 2005 11:05 PM