The Holy Trinity

This book explores the ways in which Balthasar employs and adapts the thought of Sergei Bulgakov with the Trinitarian theology of Thomas Aquinas to form a kenotic Trinitarian theology that is based on the notion of Personhood as a relation of self-donating love. When we look at Balthasar’s Trinitarian theology in light of Bulgakov, and particularly as a rereading of Bulgakov in light of a Thomistic Trinitarian theology, we are not only able to more clearly understand the implications of Balthasar’s own Trinitarian theology but also to highlight the beauty and relevance of Bulgakov’s Trinitarian contribution. This reading of Balthasar’s Trinitarian theology, read in light of a Thomistic adjustment of Bulgakov, provides an excellent point of integration for an ethics that takes into account not only individual virtues and perfection but also the social/relational context of human personhood. This ethics is based in a concept of human nature bearing the imago Trinitatis and fulfilling that nature through sacramental participation and ethical extension of Christ’s self-offering love.''Leamy’s The Holy Trinity is an excellent example of first-rate theological scholarship. Leamy, however, is not simply exploring a narrow and specialized strand of modern academic theology. Rather she is initiating and developing theological conversations in a compellingly attractive fashion. Mining Balthasar’s Trinitarian theology in relation to Bulgakov, with Aquinas in the background, is a daunting project, but Leamy brings it off. East and West meet in conversation, modern theological thought is in dialogue with medieval theological thought--all to produce an immensely rich synthesis of Trinitarian theology and Christology. . . . I cannot recommend it highly enough.''--Owen F. Cummings, Academic Dean, Mount Angel Seminary, St. Benedict, OR''Professor Leamy masterfully elucidates how Balthasar’s retrieval of Bulgakov utilizes Aquinas to critically appropriate Bulgakov’s daring speculation on intra-triune life. Her insightful reading of these three theological geniuses, each of whom requires patient skill to interpret aright, is a feat that fellow scholars will admire. No less praiseworthy is Leamy’s demonstration of how this Trinitarian theology can inspire graced human action, a practical conclusion that students will deeply appreciate.''--Danielle Nussberger, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WIKaty Leamy is Associate Professor of Moral Theology at Mt. Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, Oregon.