REORDERING THE TRINITY
Rodrick K Durst, Grand Rapids MI, Kregel Publishing, 2015.

A refreshing study of a complicated subject: His thesis is that the normal order of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is somewhat limited according to the biblical text. There are six orders to the trinity in the use according to the biblical text, and that has gone almost unrecognized by scholars and students. Thus, we need a reawaking to the doctrine. His purpose is to search out and explore “each triadic order in a specific chapter to sound out the relationship (if any) between order and context and to distill the application of that order within our lives as disciples and our life together as the church” (p18). Commendable to say the least. His approach therefore centers upon a practical theology method, rather than exegetical or theological. He motive seems to be worshiped center. This is important to keep in mind and is a distinguishing feature of the book.

The book is addresses a number things:

1. The status question looks at the history and status of the doctrine today. It deals with the contemporary theology of the doctrine. It is somewhat critical of past work on the subject.  It is long and one of the most boring chapters of the book. However it is worth getting through to get to the essence of this book.
2. The Data Question: His intent is to begin to supply biblical data against the misinformation about this doctrine. The data gives us a diversity in expression of the triune order in the New Testament. The data reveals a multitude of order: Father-Son-Spirit / Father – Spirit-Son / Son-Father-Spirit / Son-Spirit-Father / Spirit-Son-Father / and Spirit-Father-Son. He identifies 75 such instances where these are used. He gives the data on each order, not only in text form, but chart forms as well. He also marks what we lose in the usual order of Father-Son-Spirit by overlooking the other data, and the harmony we gain by bringing in the other orders. This is an eye-opening chapter.
3. The Antecedent Question. This deals with the triadic Presence in the Old Testament. The Old Testament is much more than mere monotheism. He takes us on a journey of the Old Testament hints and statement that are the root of the doctrine in its recognition of the plurality of God and the Godhead.
4. The Historical Question: the trinity in tradition. The historical tradition has been describing God as one in three.
5. The second part of the book centers on identifying the function of the diverse formula orders. Here he deals with the contextual concepts of the formula. First, is the Sending Triad: Father-Son-Spirit as the Missional order.
6. The Saving Triad: The regenerative order is reflected in the Son-Spirit-Father order.
7. The Standing Triad: the sanctifying order in the Spirit-Father-Son formula.
8. The Shaping Triad: the Father-Spirit-Son order reflected in the Spiritual formation.
9. The Uniting Triad: the ecclesial order in the formula of Spirit-Son-Father.
10.  In this chapter he deals with Application Question; functional Trinitarian belief for worship, life, and ministry. It reveals his heart for a practical functional trinity (not just an academic one) for the believer and the church.

In addition throughout the book are sermon ideas for the Pastor to consider. He ends with a number of Appendix’s that are helpful. I especial enjoyed the one on teaching the Trinity to Children.

Overall, this is an excellent work. It goes beyond the proof text approach that is common in this field of study. It is well written and makes the reader question and engage with his views on the subject. However, I am not sure he has connected all the dots clearly to his formulas. Some connections see arbitrary and unclear to me. Also, he does not deal with partial formulas such as the Father-Son (1 Cor. 8:6; 15:20-26). Where do these fit in his scheme? Or do they have no connection? Regardless of this weakness, the book is well worth reading. There is no question he has made a contribution to the study of the trinity, with interesting insights.

[Thanks to Kregel Publishing for supplying this copy for the purpose of my honest review.]