ABSTRACT

This chapter analytically describes the historical emergence and development of the classical doctrine of the Trinity as the indispensable precursor to the new hermeneutics of the Trinity. It pays particular attention to the hermeneutical question of the relation between the three-ness and oneness of the Triune God in Godself and in the economy of salvation. The chapter specifically describes Latin, Greek, and African mainline contributors to the formation and interpretation of the Trinity from the fourth century to the early modern period through the contemporary African contributors to the doctrine. It unpacks hermeneutical starting points, philosophical presuppositions and contextual theological concerns that informed their Trinitarian hermeneutics of God.