Trinity and Church: Contributions from the Free Church Tradition

Abstract

This essay offers a critical appraisal of several recent contributions to ecclesiology by theologians from the “Free Church” tradition, addressing the claim that the church can be understood by analogy with the Trinity. Three central issues are discussed, beginning with the argument of Miroslav Volf that the church can be understood as a community of persons, called into faithful response to God and gathering as a charismatic community. Critical discussion of this idea leads to consideration of the ecclesial character of salvation, drawing upon the ideas of Volf and of Stanley Grenz. Finally, the paper considers Paul Fiddes' argument that it is inadequate to speak of the church corresponding to the triune life. Fiddes sees the divine persons not as subjects but as movements in relationships, and the community of the church as participating in the divine movements of relationship.