Christ and Culture Book

This is a truly phenomenal book. Matthew Levering's command of primary and secondary sources on Thomas Aquinas is incredible. The argument of the book is very refreshing, as he is intent on clearing up some muddied thinking in recent trinitarian theology. What Levering especially finds troubling is the quick dismissal of the role of metaphysics in Scriptural interpretation, the dismissal of the dual approach to God's one-ness (simplicity) and three-ness, and finally the claims of trinitarian ontology.

On each of these aspects of recent theology, Levering's response -- using Aquinas as the exemplar -- is nuanced and sensitive. He offers a careful and sympathetic reading to several representatives, and he chooses rigorous representatives, not merely "straw men" or radical examples. Through his summaries, he identifies the important insights in recent emphases and shows how those are actually well upheld in Thomas, only in Thomas the positive insights are upheld without leading to negative consequences.

Finally, the book as a whole is intent on maintaining the proper focus in trinitarian doctrine: immersion into the life of God through spiritual ascesis and contemplation. The Trinity is not a utilitarian doctrine but is a means by which God draws us into the mystery of God's abundant, self-giving life. By following the discipline of careful reading of scripture and the metaphysical issues that arise through such reading, God reveals God's Triune self to us that we may contemplate and enter more fully.