My Three Favorite Books on the Trinity

My Three Favorite Books on the Trinity

As a historic Christian the most appealing aspect of my faith is the truth that God is Triune (one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). God’s unique Triune nature is revealed in the pages of Scripture and is theologically defined in the historic creeds and confessions of Christendom. The doctrine of the Trinity is arguably historic Christianity’s most distinctive theological feature and therefore impacts all Christian belief and practice.

Yet while the Trinity is the governing center of all Christian theological thinking, many believers today have difficulty thinking and speaking about the Triune God in a clear, careful, and biblically oriented manner. If you fit in that category then I recommend three excellent books that will help you gain a greater biblical and theological understanding of God’s Triune nature. You’ll also come to understand why the truth of the Trinity is so important. (By the way, I hope it doesn’t escape you that in one article I recommend three distinct books about God’s eternal oneness and threeness.)

1. Our Triune God: A Biblical Portrayal of the Trinity by Peter Toon (Regent, 1996)

Orthodox Anglican theologian Peter Toon skillfully explains the biblical basis of the Trinity (appealing to both the Old and New Testaments) and discusses how this critical doctrine was understood and defined within Christian church history. In a clear and careful manner, Toon provides both a biblical and theological portrayal of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. This work also distinguishes how the Trinitarian view of God differs from other popular conceptions of deity.

2. The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship by Robert Letham (P&R Publishing, 2004)

Conservative Presbyterian theologian Robert Letham addresses biblical, historical, theological, and doxological issues relating to this essential Christian teaching about God. In a readable manner, Letham addresses ancient and contemporary issues relating to the Trinity. I appreciate the book’s comprehensive and thorough treatment of the doctrine of the Trinity, and its glossary of key terms is of significant value in promoting deeper understanding of such a complex theological subject.

3. Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith by Michael Reeves (InterVarsity, 2012)

In accessible language, British evangelical theologian Michael Reeves explains the incredible relevance of God’s Triune nature. Reeves clearly and artfully explains that the eternal plurality of persons within the divine (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) makes the biblical God intrinsically loving and, therefore, capable of offering a Gospel of loving forgiveness. This is the best book I have ever read in terms of explaining the importance of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity.

Reading and studying these three theological gems will help all believers grow in their understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity. And that understanding will inevitably lead to a greater sense of wonder concerning the God who is uniquely one and three.