Dick O. Eugenio, Communion with the Triune God: The Trinitarian Soteriology of T. F. Torrance (Princeton Theological Monograph) (Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2014), xxii +242 Pps., $29.00.
The revival of Trinitarian theology in the twentieth century ushered in a new era of theological innovation. This book presents Thomas F. Torrance as a participant theologian in this theological resurgence. Among Torrance’s accomplishments was a consistent trinitarian theology; as such, some call him a “theologian of the Trinity.” Torrance’s presentation of his theology stipulates that the Trinity is “the ground and grammar of theology.” But how did he formulate his unique trinitarian soteriology? This book answers this question.
For Torrance, the doctrine of the Trinity is always soteriological, and his soteriology is always Trinitarian. In this book, Torrance’s doctrine of the Triune God is presented as God being for us and with us. Chapter 1 discusses the interrelation of Torrance’s scientific, evangelical, and trinitarian soteriology. Chapter 2, 3, and 4 present the works of the Triune persons, arguing that all three are soteriologically involved in the mediation of reconciliation. Chapter 2 more specifically explores the Person and work of Christ in the economy of salvation. Chapter 3 focuses on the Person and work of of the Father, and chapter 4 discusses the Person and work of the Spirit. Chapter 5 presents the nature and shape of our salvation in light of God’ as communion of love mediating reconciliation in the world, and argues that the origin and telos of salvation are in strict accordance with the being of God as personal communion.
The distinct contribution of this book is that it presents Torrance’s soteriological Trinity and trinitarian soteriology at the same time. The ultimate telos of salvation is relationship with the Triune God. It presents two main things: the specific works of the Triune God in Torrance’s soteriology, and the telos of being saved by the Triune God. This book is a nice contribution to the interpretation of Torrance’s soteriology, and should be welcomed by theologians and students who study systematic theology.
Bradford McCall
Holy Apostles College and Seminary