What’s the Difference Between Classical and Social, Relational Trinitarianism?

[embed width="680" height="383"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijp2NEtR6pg[/embed]

(Can't see the video? Watch it here)

In recent decades there has been increased interest in the doctrine of the Trinity. Two views dominating such interest are the so-called (1) classical and (2) social, relational views of the Trinity.

Paul Molnar is one theologian who is shaping this discussion. He is a contributor to the new Two Views of the Doctrine of the Trinity which maps the distinctions between these two dominant views.

But how are they different and distinct? Molnar explains in our video by clarifying their positions:

1. Classical View: "Unless we know who God is eternally—as the Father, Son, and Spirit—based on his revelation to us, we can’t really say anything about God relating with us humanly in history."
2. Social, Relational View: "Theologians chart from experiences of relationality within history to try and explain who God is."

Watch the rest of the video for a solid introduction to trinitarian differences and then engage the two views book yourself.