The Living and True God: The Mystery of the Trinity

Archbishop Luis F. Ladaria, a Jesuit theologian who is currently the Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, has been a professor of theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome since 1984. He was also a professor at the Comillas University in Madrid, and from 1992 to 1997 he was a member of the International Theological Commission. Since 2004 he has been the general secretary of that commission. His works have greatly contributed to contemporary theological debates.

This is a New Revised Edition in which the Author explains how the Trinity (one God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is the central mystery of the Christian faith that enlightens all other mysteries of the faith. An understanding of the Trinity is essential for the protection and defense of the divine/human person of Jesus Christ and his saving work. This book documents the historical development of the doctrine of the Trinity and its significance for the Christian faith. In a broad and systematic way, Ladaria traces the debates within the early Christian church as the concept of the Trinity developed. He also reflects on the great masters of church tradition concerning their understanding of the Trinity and is in dialogue with various contemporary theologians on this subject. This book has been written especially for theological students and professors as an aid in grasping the Trinitarian formulation both historically and theologically and to assist in deepening their faith and reflection in the mystery of God.

Introduction To The Treatise; The Relationship Between the 'Economic' Trinity & the 'Immanent' Trinity; The Revelation of God in the Life of Jesus: A Theological-Biblical Study; The Preparation for the Revelation of the Triune God in the Old Testament; The Apostolic & the Apologetic Fathers; The Theology of the Second Century & the Third Century; The Arian Crisis & the Council of Nicaea. The Anti-Arian Struggle of the Fourth Century; The Cappadocian Fathers. The Formulation of the Trinitarian Dogma in the First & Second Councils of Constantinople; 'Trinitas in Unitate': The Internal Life of God: The Processions, the Relationships, & the Divine Persons; The Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit; 'Unitas In Trinitate': The One God in the Trinity. Properties & Modalities of Action; The 'Natural' Knowledge of God & the Language of Analogy; Epilogue.