Divine Freedom and the Doctrine of the Immanent Trinity

Reviews / Votes

The first edition of this book in 2002 was a now classic account of the freedom of God as understood in the doctrine of the immanent Trinity. The second edition is not just a reprint but a thorough revision with a re-configured preface, a new chapter on Divine Freedom, and many revisions and updatings to material on Jenson, Moltmann, Pannenberg, Juengel and Schleiermacher. In clarity, power and effectiveness, it takes its place at the heart of contemporary discussion of the doctrine of God. I thoroughly recommend this new edition. * Iain R. Torrance, President Emeritus of Princeton Theological Seminary, USA * This new edition will be of interest to those familiar with the first edition, as well as scholars new to Molnar's work with interests in Barth, Torrance, and in contemporary discussions in the doctrine of God and the Trinity. * Reviews in Religion and Theology * The re-issue of this weighty tome in revised and expanded form is welcome news indeed. It had already established itself as one of the two or three most important English-language treatises on the doctrine of the Trinity in recent theology. In its new form it includes rich and detailed discussions of theologians like Moltmann, Pannenberg and Jenson, not to mention McCormack and his followers, that are sure to generate interest. Molnar is one of the most distinguished interpreters of the Trinity in our time. His powerful book is indispensable for anyone interested in these questions. * George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary, USA * The first edition of Paul Molnar's Divine Freedom and the Doctrine of the Immanent Trinity was one of the most significant books to appear in trinitarian theology in a generation. In this new edition, Professor Molnar has enhanced the case made in that study, demonstrating with even greater depth, clarity and nuance why it is that the doctrine of the essential Trinity must hold material primacy if Christian theology is to confess the God of the gospel well. This is an even more powerful book than its predecessor, enriched by further engagement with contemporary debates on freedom, election and history. The central argument concerning God's antecedent plenitude in himself remains of crucial importance for theology today. More than ever: Take, read! * Ivor J. Davidson, University of Aberdeen, UK * Paul Molnar in his Divine Freedom and the Doctrine of the Immanent Trinity: In Dialogue with Karl Barth and Contemporary Theology illumines in refreshingly clear prose the errors in method in many contemporary theologies by his resolute insistence that God is the only fit witness to Who He Is. Molnar adroitly opens for the reader the understanding that theology to be truly theological must start from and be normed by what is unfolded in the doctrine of the Immanent Trinity, i.e., an account of the eternal life of the Father-Son-Holy Spirit. Therein theology is poised to hear the divine direction for our creaturely lives, attitudes and actions.
Molnar, critical of theologies which proceed from a centre in ourselves and our own experiences, is yet careful and judicious in his description of these various contemporary Roman Catholic and Protestant theologies. This book is a bright beacon bringing clarity to current theological discussion. * David Demson, Wycliffe College, Toronto School of Theology, Canada * In the face of several challenges, Paul Molnar offers us a robust defence of the doctrine of the immanent Trinity. With his characteristically clear and robust style he outlines the intellectual and existential reasons for maintaining the classical position. This new expanded edition should be widely studies and cited. * David Fergusson, University of Edinburgh, UK *