Trinitarian theology widespread
The more I learn about the Triune God, the more I am finding that this "rediscovery" of the Trinity is being experienced all over the Christian world. The Worldwide Church of God is not alone in coming to greater understanding of Trinitarian theology. And it's not just Baxter Kruger or the Torrance brothers. It's kind of like when you buy a new car; you start seeing that model everywhere. I've noticed many in the Christian world are reexamining our faith from the viewpoint of the Trinity, and it excites me! I just found an interview with Larry Crabb on Christianity Today's website that is wonderful. Regarding his vision for the formation of caring congregations, Mr. Crabb was asked whether his idea can be taught.
He replied: "It starts with a recognition of impoverished theology. Eugene Peterson was scheduled to appear at a conference on spiritual formation. I phoned him to ask what he would speak on. 'Our Trinitarian theology in the evangelical church is thin,' he said. Until it gets thicker, we're not going to make much progress in this whole area of spiritual formation. God is in eternal community, a radically other-centered relationship where the Father is always saying, Isn't my Son something?! The Son's always saying, Look at the Father. And the Spirit is always saying, Look at Jesus. Until we start pondering the mystery of the Trinity, we won't have a clue that we're a million miles from it in terms of community. People need to be overwhelmed by the Trinitarian community."
Crabb was then asked, "How do you put that in practical terms?"
His reply: "Are you familiar with the word perichoresis? It's a word fourth-century
monks came up with to help laymen think about the Trinity: peri meaning
"around" and choretic coming from 'choreography.' It's 'dancing around.' When (Eugene) Peterson teaches the Trinity, he says to visualize the Trinity having a square dance. Can you hear the rhythm of the Spirit and enter the dance? I think it means God is having a good time. When we understand community like that, we will realize we're missing something here. "
This interview was done in 2004. I am encouraged that God is allowing us to be a part of this rediscovery of His Triune nature and that it is something He is doing among many parts of the Body of Christ. I hope this encourages you!
The complete article can be found at:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletter/2004/cln40713.html
Jerome Ellard
He replied: "It starts with a recognition of impoverished theology. Eugene Peterson was scheduled to appear at a conference on spiritual formation. I phoned him to ask what he would speak on. 'Our Trinitarian theology in the evangelical church is thin,' he said. Until it gets thicker, we're not going to make much progress in this whole area of spiritual formation. God is in eternal community, a radically other-centered relationship where the Father is always saying, Isn't my Son something?! The Son's always saying, Look at the Father. And the Spirit is always saying, Look at Jesus. Until we start pondering the mystery of the Trinity, we won't have a clue that we're a million miles from it in terms of community. People need to be overwhelmed by the Trinitarian community."
Crabb was then asked, "How do you put that in practical terms?"
His reply: "Are you familiar with the word perichoresis? It's a word fourth-century
monks came up with to help laymen think about the Trinity: peri meaning
"around" and choretic coming from 'choreography.' It's 'dancing around.' When (Eugene) Peterson teaches the Trinity, he says to visualize the Trinity having a square dance. Can you hear the rhythm of the Spirit and enter the dance? I think it means God is having a good time. When we understand community like that, we will realize we're missing something here. "
This interview was done in 2004. I am encouraged that God is allowing us to be a part of this rediscovery of His Triune nature and that it is something He is doing among many parts of the Body of Christ. I hope this encourages you!
The complete article can be found at:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletter/2004/cln40713.html
Jerome Ellard