Jonathan Edwards\u27 Social Augustinian Trinitarianism: A Criticism of and An Alternative to Recent Interpretations

In recent years, several scholars have provided systematic theological analyses of Jonathan Edwards\u27 (1703-1758) trinitarianism. They maintain that Edwards\u27 trinitarianism is a viable resource for contemporary trinitarian theology. Methodologically, these systematic theological analyses are performed in the parameters of what may be called the threeness-oneness paradigm. The threenessoneness paradigm is the commonplace assumption in modem systematic and historical studies of trinitarian theology-i.e., that all trinitarian theologies ultimately give primacy to either divine threeness or oneness. Eastern Cappadocian trinitarianism and the Western theologian Richard of St. Victor (d. 1173) represent the threeness trajectory. The Western Augustinian tradition represents the oneness trajectory. The categories of threeness and oneness form a paradigm that is used to describe the broad development of trinitarian theology and to interpret particular theologians within the two traditions..