Knowing and the Trinity: How Perspectives in Human Knowledge Imitate the Trinity

“For many years now, we have seen the fruitful use of multiperspec- tivalism or triperspectivalism in the Reformed theology of John Frame and Vern Poythress. Poythress now opens up for us a window onto the rich tapestry of the triad of perspectives in Knowing and the Trinity. He grounds the use of perspectives in the being of the triune God of Scripture and demonstrates their theoretical and practical value. These perspectives do not undermine the absolute truth of God and his Word but expose us to the ever-increasing depth that we discover in Gods Word and world. Poythress shows us that triadic perspectives are ana- logues of Gods triune being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are revealed in the flow of salvation history, are experienced in our space and time, and culminate in the glory of the new heaven and the new earth. Here we have unpacked for us the rationale behind triperspectivalism, and the author demonstrates its theological wealth. I heartily recommend this new book.”

“Poythress has done it again. Knowing and the Trinity: How Perspectives in Human Knowledge Imitate the Trinity is a fresh discussion on how a robust understanding of Gods triune being deepens, challenges, and expands our notions of human knowledge and theological method. Poythress dispels myths of perspectivalism (especially the all-too- common objection of relativism) and persuasively argues for the deeply related and organic nature of Gods revelation. My hope is that Poythresss example will produce much biblically faithful theological creativity.”

“This book begins simply enough, but soon we discover that it opens our eyes to refreshing new ways of viewing God, the Bible, ourselves, and the world from multiple perspectives, all grounded ultimately in the mysterious triune nature of God. Poythress has given us in this book the valuable fruit of a lifetime of reflection on the teachings of the whole of Scripture.”

“In recent decades, many evangelical scholars, students, and laypeople have found triperspectivalism extraordinarily helpful, but they have also found it confusing. Vern Poythress has given us what amounts to a primer on this subject. His explanations are brief and clear. He securely anchors his outlooks in the Scriptures and in orthodox Trinitarian theology. The illustrations and glossary make Poythresss discussions accessible to a wide range of readers. Study questions encourage both theoretical and practical reflection. This book is a window into ways of thinking about and living the Christian faith that will greatly benefit us all.”

“In this fascinating and highly accessible book, Dr. Poythress puts his perspectival method to work in a wide-ranging exploration of Trinitarian theology. Underlying his discussion is the conviction that while this is a mystery surpassing our capacities, God has revealed himself in creation and grace, his triune fingerprints evident wherever we turn. Any discussion of the doctrine of God should take Poythresss important contribution into serious consideration. I know of nothing else quite like it.”

“It is a privilege to serve as the doorman to welcome readers into the remarkable world of reflections that Dr. Vern Poythress provides for us in this substantial work. . . . [He] undertakes the task of helping us to see the sheer wonder of God as we reflect on his self-testimony. . . . We want to be able to say with Jeremiah, Let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord (Jer. 9:24). In Knowing and the Trinity, Vern Poythress helps us to do precisely this. . . . I bid you to explore and enjoy!”