I only read books 9 and 10 for my great texts class. We have read confessions and political writings (excerpts from city of God). This was the most complex of that ~trinity~ of books. It was Rewarding, however. I love the way that Augustine looks to the human mind, which is made in the image of God, to understand God. It is a really interesting way to study God, and one that I think yields a lot of knowledge. I would like to read all of this, but we will see if that is in the cards.

Rigorously philosophical, relentlessly biblical, and deeply devotional. At times incredibly difficult, but always rewarding the effort a dozen times over.

A friend told me I would enjoy this work, and added that it had really worked their brain. After reading "De Trinitate", I can think of no better description to fit my own experience! St. Augustine, in the 15 books comprising this study of Trinitarian doctrine, uses very full terminology and rhetorical sentences to convey his points. Often I found it challenging to work through a paragraph, and I would read a chapter at a time, then mentally digest it for a few hours before continuing. This is not one for the faint of heart!
That said, I discovered some very fascinating points I'd never considered in depth before, such as the significance of the wording contained in the Nicene Creed ("God of God" referring to the Son, as God the Father would be called, "God"), or that Christ's submission on earth as a man, yet wholly God, was not due to His holding a lesser nature than the Father, but because it was His Being as the Son to follow His Father's will. Obviously, there are some points Augustine argues that clash at odds with the Protestant beliefs, as he was a Catholic, but believers of both persuasions can appreciate the methodical spelling out of this essential doctrine of the Church.

An excellent start as Augustine works through argumentation on the three persons of the Trinity, demonstrating that each is a completely separate person, yet fully divine. In doing so, he also addresses various heresies, particularly those dealing with Jesus. Where it got bogged down for me was when he spent many pages using various aspects of our human nature to somehow be metaphorical of the Trinity. This went on and on and really added no value, at least not to me.

Augustine breaks the rule that no one can talk for more than 15 minutes about the Trinity without committing some heresy. He takes 288 fine print pages to cover every aspect of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with no major error. It is a stunning theological and philosophical accomplishment.

This book also proves CS Lewis’ rule of thumb right: read an old book between every 1-2 contemporary ones you read. The way Augustine writes is nothing like people today. It isn’t that he uses big words too much. His grammar and syntax, and way of argumentation is very different. But once you’re used to it, you see that his arguments are incisive, Scriptural, and compelling. My edition had a summary of every short chapter which helped my feeble brain a ton. It would be easy to skim, by only reading those chapter headings, and dipping in further where you want.

Part of his argument is to use an expected Scripture text, and then infer logically a truth of the Trinity. It’s a master class in going from interpretation of Scripture to systematic theology.

This is a challenging read, essential for seminary students, and very helpful for pastors to connect with “mother church,” and keep their minds sharp in this important area.

A rare 5 out of 5 stars!

Hard but very rewarding read. Highly recommend to read it in community for conversation on these dense, rich topics and also for accountability.

A classic on the Trinity. While too many chapters are dedicated to potential analogies of the Trinity in creation, Augustine's Trinitarian model of the Spirit as the love and gift of God is essential for understanding Western theology.

On any relational issue between humans, I try to be the first one in the room to prove my Calvinist bona fides, usually among the Armenians, by pointing to the Trinity as the pattern for all our relationships. Augustine trumps me to the point of near exasperation. What some of his explorations of human perception and identity have to do with his Trinitarian subject I'm still not sure. He's Augustine. He's brilliant. We will give him the benefit of the doubt.

An absolute masterpiece. I'm sure I have much more to glean from this work on subsequent readings, but well worth the time spent.

St. Hilary masterfully explains the doctrine of the Trinity and offers an insight into the beliefs of early Christians. Be it his affirmation of Sola Scriptura or the Filioque it's a fascinating read to all who which to start their journey with patristics.

A great critical edition of the "philosophical" half of On the Trinity, but an entirely misguided approach to Augustine in the commentary.

I first rated this 3 stars (i liked it) but then the next day changed it to 2 stars (it was okay).

As I reflected over what I read, and on the entirety of my reading of Augustine thus far, on the over philosophical and dry feel, the absolutely off the wall allegorical interpretations of plain texts that require psychedelic drugs to make any sense, I realized, I don't like this. and in fact, I don't really like Augustine that much either for the same reasons that i dont like this book of his