The ‘Dialogical’ Trinitarian Theology of Dumitru Stăniloae

Abstract

Abstract Trinitarian theology occupies a central place in the work of Dumitru Stăniloae. For him, Trinity is “real metaphysics” and, in several studies, he develops a rich and complex Triadology drawing on the philosophical notions of dialogue and intersubjectivity. Since both these notions have been developed first by Western philosophy, the article aims to examine Stăniloae’s debt to Western thought. Contrary to some widespread opinions, the article will argue that Stăniloae’s engagement with the West was not only polemical, but also constructive and fruitful. In a first step, the article will identify the readings through which these notions of subjectivity and dialogue entered Stăniloae’s understanding of the Trinity. Then, it will move to analyse the way in which Stăniloae rephrased these concepts in the frame of the Orthodox tradition. Finally, it will assess the originality and the impact of Western thought on Stăniloae, by comparing his Trinitarian model with several modern models from East and West.