Thomas F. Torrance Theologian of the Trinity [Hardcover]

This book provides an important study of the theology of Thomas F. Torrance, who is generally considered to have been one of the most significant theologians writing in English during the twentieth century, with a view toward showing how his theological method and all his major doctrinal views were shaped by his understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity. Torrance pursued a theology that was realist because he attempted to think in accordance with the unique nature of the object that is known. In holding to such a methodology, he drew an analogy between theology and natural science. This book demonstrates how, for Torrance, God relates with humanity within time and space so that creation finds its meaning in relation to God and not in itself; this enabled him to avoid many theological pitfalls such as agnosticism, subjectivism and dualism while explaining the positive implications of various Christian doctrines in a penetrating and compelling manner. This book offers an important resource for students of theology and for scholars who are interested in seeing how serious dogmatic theology shapes and should shape our understanding of the Christian life.Contents: Introducing T.F. Torrance; T.F. Torrance, theologian of the Trinity: the centrality of the doctrine of the Trinity in Torrance's theology; God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth; Jesus Christ, the incarnate word, homoousion with the Father and with us in our humanity; Atonement, incarnation and reconciliation are one in Jesus Christ; Torrance's pneumatology; Resurrection and ascension: implications for humanity in light of redemption and eschatology; Torrance's Trinitarian understanding of the church, sacraments and ministry; Considering some criticisms of T.F. Torrance's theology; Conclusion; Selected bibliography; Indexes.Paul D. Molnar is a Professor of Systematic Theology at St. John's University, New York.