The Trinity (Works of Saint Augustine: A Translation for the 21st Century) (Works of Saint Augustine, 5)

this is a must read for all Christians by one of the greatest theologians of all time. the translator,edmund hill, includes footnotes with his interpretations of some of the more complex ideas. the only problem with these early Christian writers is they make you think about why being Christian makes sense so the book is not meant for lazy readers. st.augustine spent 44 years of his adult life giving logical explanations for Christine doctrine based on Christian scripture so I thought it would be worth a few weeks hearing what he had to say about the core belief of Christianity. this is not as easy to grasp as some of his other writing but well worth the effort.

This is definitely not for a light reader. That’s fine with me. The deep insights are especially meaningful for me. This is definitely a keeper.

No words suffice. Prepare to have to set the book down numerous times while you stare off into space and contemplate the Trinity and the nature of reality. People might be intimidated by Augustine, but don't be. This work is approachable and any serious reading will produce an abundance of fruit as you come to contemplate the unfathomable depths of the Trinity. Everyone is made for life in the Trinity, and Augustine's epic work stokes the fire of desire in ones heart to attain to the love that lasts in the Trinity.

One of the most brilliant minds of the Christian tradition (and beyond!), St. Augustine plunges into the most captivating, yet also the most incomprehensible pillar of the Christian faith–the Triunity of God. Arguably Augustine’s most taxing and enigmatical work, The Trinity is a rite of passage for all students and learners of Trinitarian theology (and beyond!). Inflexible in his meticulous bend, Augustine exacts demanding intellectual and spiritual prowess to delve deep into the most wondrous mystery: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. How can this be? Why is this be? Searching for an appropriate explanation of the Trinity, Augustine, in the end, falls into humble surrender: “What is the reason then that you cannot fix your gaze on it to see it, but weakness obviously; and what brought this weakness on you but wickedness obviously? Who then is to heal all your infirmities but he who is gracious to all your iniquities?” (15.27.50). In daring hope, we will see God face to face (1 Cor 13:12), but until then we wait in faith in the Triune God to purify us in grace and love. Amen.[...]

This is a challenging read! I'm not even going to pretend to understand it but Augustine offers us some really helpful reflections on the Trinity in this work and for that, I am thankful.

It may be that had I waited to complete this book before reviewing it, I would never get around to it. It is a rich theological work, with some profound insights that have shaped all of Western Christianity.The introductory commentary is incredibly helpful. I find that certain sections of the book shine above others, and I probably cannot read it from front to back. It does have a lot of gems, and it is easy to find them.For fans of Augustine, for students of theology, and any other serious thinker interested in the Christian tradition, I highly recommend.

I wasn't aware, though I have often heard, of the impact of this Trinitarian work to this day. There were so many ideas and concepts that were not new because so many theologians and churchmen throughout the ages have propogated Augustine's teachings found in this book. Through that I realized how fundamental this book is for those looking to deepen their understanding of this incomprehensible mystery of our Triune God.Augustine often receives negative press for his "insistence" on the oneness of God as to lessen the focus on the Three Divine Persons. I never picked up on that. It was actually after I finished reading that I thought to myself "I didnt notice any over emphasis on the oneness."Take time enjoying the thoughts of a theological and philosophical genius.

Apart from the first class readability of the translation, this book is worth its modest price alone for the excellent introduction and notes by Edmund Hill. Augustine's Trinity was never an easy read, and Edmund Hill has made me realise that I had not really read it carefully enough. This must rate as one of the foundational texts for Christianity and has often shouldered the blame for promoting a somewhat intellectual view of the Trinity in the Christian West. Edmund Hill's analysis makes a convincing case for reading this as a text for spiritual transformation, which has made me question a lot of my own prejudices. Not Augustine's easiest text but probably one of his most important for the effect it has had on our history. For any student grappling with Augustine I cannot recommend this enough.

Fantastic expostion od St Augustine's doctrine of the Trinity, with copious notes, a splendid intorductin, and a good index. The translation makes it seem as if Augustine is writing verymuch for today - it is not at all stuffy.

Very readable translation and excellent helpful introductory notes.