Ebook
A resurgence of Trinitarian interest gained momentum in the twentieth century and it is showing little sign of abating in the twenty-first century. This research endeavors to critically evaluate Miroslav Volf's ecclesial model for "the church as the image of the Trinity," one that he presents with the English title, After Our Likeness. Volf proposes a social doctrine of the Trinity, one that is heavily influenced by the theological writings of Jurgen Moltmann, and he puts forward that this nonhierarchical Trinity should be reflected in the structures and theology of the church. If Volf is correct, then a radical reshaping is needed for the church to conform to an egalitarian pattern, one that is "after the likeness" (Gen 1:26) of an egalitarian God. In this critical examination, Kevin J. Bidwell begins by stating the theological influences that are pertinent to Volf's thesis in After Our Likeness and the assumptions that undergird and inform his whole theological paradigm. An important theological excursus is offered to assess the theology of John Smyth, the first English Baptist, who is Volf's representative figure for the location of his own ecclesiology, the Free Church. A critical analysis follows of Volf's engagement with his two chosen dialogue partners who represent both Western and Eastern theological traditions: Joseph Ratzinger and John D. Zizioulas. Volf presents five theses for "the church as the image of the Trinity," which could be labeled as Volf's Free Church in the image of Volf's revised doctrine of the Trinity. This monograph offers extensive insight into the contemporary debate on the doctrine of the Trinity, but it also assesses many aspects of ecclesiology from both Eastern and Western perspectives.
As one who has taught on The Holy Trinity for many years in my
seminary classes, and has written on the subject from time to time,
I am particularly pleased with Kevin Bidwell's The Church as the
Image of the Trinity: A Critical Evaluation of Miroslav Volf's
Ecclesial Model. He certainly gets to a major point of discussion
in current thought on the relation of Trinity, humankind in
general, and church in particular. In so doing he has dealt fairly
and with much clarity on such leading academic writers on this
subject as Moltmann, Pannenberg, LaCugna nad especially Miroslav
Volf. Bidwell knows well both Easten and Western strands of thought
on this all-important and complex subject. I think that he is right
in seeing the tripersonal nature of God as the basis of human
personhood and the very structure of the Christian Church. He
explores with judiciousness, and constant reference to the
teachings of the Holy Scriptures on the Trinity, and its
implications for our creational and redeemed life in community. His
range of reading is immense, but always coherent; always coming
back to the crucial points. This volume could usefully serve as a
text book in various seminaries and divinity faculties of
universities. It will introduce students (and professors) to the
most significant work on the matter over the last fifty years. I
definitely plan to use it in my classes.
Douglas F. Kelly
Professor of Systematic Theology
Reformed Theological Seminary at Charlotte, North Carolina
"Miroslav Volf has had a profound impact on contemporary
discussions on the doctrine of the Trinity, and its significance
for contemporary ecclesiology. Kevin Bidwell's book provides the
first comprehensive evaluation of his approach to these topics,
which impresses by his unbiased critical discussion of Volf's
ecclesiological egalitarianism."
-Johannes Hoff
Lecturer in Systematic Theology & Philosophy
University of Wales: Trinity Saint David
"This book by Kevin Bidwell represents a major, original
contribution to contemporary Trinitarian theology. His contribution
lies in a critical engagement with Miroslav Volf's social
understanding of the Trinity, Moltmann's influence on Volf, the
adaptation of the early Separatist writings of John Smyth by Volf,
and his development of an egalitarian ecclesiology. This is
research at its best and must be read by church ministers and
academics."
-Eryl Davies
Principal Emeritus
Wales Evangelical School of Theology
"Miroslav Volf argues cogently for a social doctrine of the Trinity
and for an egalitarianism in both the Trinity and the church--ideas
which are very popular today. He also claims that his ecclesiology
flows from his doctrine of the Trinity. Kevin Bidwell subjects
these claims to a penetrating criticism, and all who hold to them
need to listen carefully to what this book has to say."
-Tony Lane
Professor of Historical Theology
London School of Theology
Kevin J. Bidwell is the minister of Sheffield Presbyterian Church (a church plant with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales). He has completed doctoral research with the University of Wales: Trinity Saint David.