"Our math classes tell us 1+1+1=3, but 1x1x1=1. God is "the three times God." When you talk to Jesus, you are talking to God. When you talk with the Father, you are talking to God. And when you talk with the Holy Spirit, you are talking with God." - Rodrick K. Durst, Reordering the Trinity
Summary: Recognizing the deep importance of the doctrine of the Trinty Rodrick K. Durst identifies six orders of the Trinitarian persons in the Scriptures and demonstrates what the biblical authors are emphasizing in these orders.
Review: Reordering the Trinity focuses on historical, contemporary, and practical issues, but its main thrust is to identify the six orderings of the Trinitarian Persons, then interpret the significance behind these particular ordering.
The orderings are as follows:
1. Father – Son – Spirit
2. Son – Spirit – Father
3. Son – Father – Spirit
4. Spirit – Father – Son
5. Father – Spirit – Son
6. Spirit – Son – Father
I am indebted to Durst for pointing out these different orderings. While I have observed these differing orders in Scripture before, I never thought much of it. Durst argues throughout the book that these different orders actually communicate different things. The biblical authors very intentionally selected the order the Trinitarian Persons to communicate specific themes.
For example, the classic “Father – Son – Spirit” order is what he calls “The Sending Triad.” It has a missional purpose behind it.
The “Father – Spirit – Son” is what he calls “The Shaping Triad.” There is a spiritual formation process in this ordering.
The data Durst provides is comprehensive. He explores each Bible passage in extensive detail. I think in general he’s onto something. Some of the specific passages are a bit of a stretch when it comes to Durst’s thematic categories. Largely, though, I found myself in general amazement seeing how the biblical authors (under the guidance of God the Holy Spirit) used these orders to convey God’s work in humanity and his church.
I wish the practical side of this book was stronger. Durst is intentional at the end of the major chapters to offer “Sermon Starters”. He also has a closing practical section. These all contain helpful material to glean from, but I found the analysis sections more practical than the practical sections.
Reordering the Trinity was extremely helpful to me. In my personal and professional life, I have seen a number of Christian leaders and organizations deemphasize the Trinity, or dismiss the doctrine altogether. This trend caused me to update some of my submission requirements on my podcast, and required other organizations I work with to do so as well.
I have a deep affection for the Trinity. I have a deep desire to delve into the mysteries of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This desire is coupled with an understanding that many of those mysteries will still remain mysterious.
Durst has revealed something about the Trinity I have never seen before.
As I wrote before, I am indebted to him.
Rating: 4.5/5 (I Really Liked It)
Summary: Recognizing the deep importance of the doctrine of the Trinty Rodrick K. Durst identifies six orders of the Trinitarian persons in the Scriptures and demonstrates what the biblical authors are emphasizing in these orders.
Review: Reordering the Trinity focuses on historical, contemporary, and practical issues, but its main thrust is to identify the six orderings of the Trinitarian Persons, then interpret the significance behind these particular ordering.
The orderings are as follows:
1. Father – Son – Spirit
2. Son – Spirit – Father
3. Son – Father – Spirit
4. Spirit – Father – Son
5. Father – Spirit – Son
6. Spirit – Son – Father
I am indebted to Durst for pointing out these different orderings. While I have observed these differing orders in Scripture before, I never thought much of it. Durst argues throughout the book that these different orders actually communicate different things. The biblical authors very intentionally selected the order the Trinitarian Persons to communicate specific themes.
For example, the classic “Father – Son – Spirit” order is what he calls “The Sending Triad.” It has a missional purpose behind it.
The “Father – Spirit – Son” is what he calls “The Shaping Triad.” There is a spiritual formation process in this ordering.
The data Durst provides is comprehensive. He explores each Bible passage in extensive detail. I think in general he’s onto something. Some of the specific passages are a bit of a stretch when it comes to Durst’s thematic categories. Largely, though, I found myself in general amazement seeing how the biblical authors (under the guidance of God the Holy Spirit) used these orders to convey God’s work in humanity and his church.
I wish the practical side of this book was stronger. Durst is intentional at the end of the major chapters to offer “Sermon Starters”. He also has a closing practical section. These all contain helpful material to glean from, but I found the analysis sections more practical than the practical sections.
Reordering the Trinity was extremely helpful to me. In my personal and professional life, I have seen a number of Christian leaders and organizations deemphasize the Trinity, or dismiss the doctrine altogether. This trend caused me to update some of my submission requirements on my podcast, and required other organizations I work with to do so as well.
I have a deep affection for the Trinity. I have a deep desire to delve into the mysteries of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This desire is coupled with an understanding that many of those mysteries will still remain mysterious.
Durst has revealed something about the Trinity I have never seen before.
As I wrote before, I am indebted to him.
Rating: 4.5/5 (I Really Liked It)
The Trinity is "riddled" with wonderful mysteries!
Note: I received a physical copy of this book for free in exchange for an unbiased review.
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