Book Review: The Story of the Trinity
Litfin, Bryan M. The Story of the Trinity: Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 2025.
Bryan Litfin, a distinguished professor of biblical and theological studies at Liberty University, brings his extensive academic background to his book, The Story of the Trinity. His journey in academia, from an Undergraduate degree in Communications to a Master of Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary and a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia, has equipped him with the knowledge and insight to delve into the early church and the Trinity. Before joining Liberty University, he was a faculty member at Moody Bible Institute and worked with Moody Publishers. Dr. Litfin's scholarly contributions, including numerous essays, articles, and book reviews, have been presented at multiple academic guilds. He is a family man with two adult children.
Brian Litfin’s The Story of the Trinity provides readers with an expositional narrative of the Council of Nicaea and beyond. The book begins with a hook, regarding the requirements for Salvation in Jesus Christ (p. 15). Furthermore, off-topic can be equated with Paul’s metaphor for those who decide to believe in Jesus again (Heb. 6). Throughout the introduction, Litfin exhorts the orthodoxy of the Trinity as it is essential to the Good News through Paul and Silas’s circumstance with the head jailor (Acts. 16). His thesis is that this work about the subject of Salvation, and the redemption of Jesus Christ. Litfin spends the first chapter defining terminology, describing creeds, and the complete blossom of the Council of Nicaea.
The first part begins by showing pre-trinitarian in the Old Testament. Throughout these first couple of chapters, Litfin emphasizes God’s work through polytheism, monotheism, and Jesus Christ (Theophany). This area shows that Trinity did not start in the New but in the Old. Litfin relays the theme of faith in God’s character (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3). The author of this book review remembers thinking at one time, “Did God save anyone in the OT?” He did! Litfin’s thesis continues Salvation's focus on the centrality of Jesus Christ.
The second part continues with discussing the implications of Jesus Christ in the New Testament and the early church. Salvation through Christ relates to His character, and that all can come to Him to be saved (Jn. 3). The latter half of this section describes orthodox philosophies of the Trinity, referring to figures like Tertullian, and economic trinitarianism. The final chapter concludes with the rise of Arianism, which emphasizes that the Godhead is entirely separate and even created later (p. 105). This caused issues in the first couple of centuries of the church, as discussed in Nicene Christianity.
The third part continues with the defense of the faith through the unique conversations surrounding the Nicene Creed. Now, Dr. Bryan Litfin explains these subjects incredibly well (for the writer of this book review, it takes many pages). By writing this shorter, I am saying, read this section, please! In essence, Emperor Constantinople became a Christian, due to many theological heresies; the Council of Nicaea was established; the Holy Spirit needed to be defined; and the Council of Constantinople eventually put the creedal discussion to rest (381 AD, pp. 126-156). The fourth part explains the repercussions of the Nicene Creed and concludes by showing how the Triune God played a significant role in Salvation through Christ’s redemption on the cross. The following section focuses on an evaluation of the work.
Having summarized The Story of the Trinity, it is now time to evaluate this great work. As you read this work, you will notice that language and grammar are highly accessible. This is essential so that other believers can grasp the early church Fathers. Furthermore, it is also written as a narrative. The strength of this work is that it is easy for the ordinary person to understand. Another major strength is Litfin’s argument. The author of this review had to re-read his argument a few times, but understood he was going. Believers (including myself) discuss the Great Commission (Matt. 28:10-20). Often, when the Triune God is mentioned (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), the focus on salvation may not be discussed. Yes, believers are saved through Christ toward justification from Sin; the Holy Spirit dwells in the believer, and sanctification leads to glorification when Christians see Him face to face. Despite this, the Trinity in relation to Salvation is not discussed. The author of this essay values Trinity more because it affects eternal life.
Having discussed strengths, it is time to discuss weaknesses. Because it is focused on the commoner, it may be difficult for scholars to find sources entirely on the book's narrative (there is an endnotes section, but it would be better to consult volumes on Church History or journal articles). While extremely factual, Litfin's argument was difficult to follow. The final weakness is that the single chapter dedicated to the legacy of the Nicene Creed could have been more extensive. They value that it may have been beyond the scope of the work. However, it can show believers how relevant these heresies (and, even more, the Trinity) are in the Modern period. The final area discusses the application.
So, what is the great takeaway from this work? The main takeaway is that the Trinity is essential for salvation. In fact, considering recent evangelical terminology, the author is inspired to direct his language toward the subject of the Trinity. At the same time, Trinity is perceived in missions, sanctification, predestination, and free will. It is encapsulated through the primary doctrines of the Christian faith. This work is a worthwhile read, which encourages multiplying trinitarian thought in daily Christian living. Here are his links to buy the book.
https://www.amazon.com/Story-Trinity-Controversy-Crisis-Creation/dp/1540904822
https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781540904829_the-story-of-the-trinity
The author’s website for his work:
https://bryanlitfin.com/books/the-story-of-the-trinity/
Lastly, a Logos version of the work. Throughout the coming days, there will be more opportunities to show how Logos can help you in your study. This is my affiliate link.
https://logos.sjv.io/StoryoftheTrinity
The author of this book review was provided with a review copy of this work.
