If one asks, What does it mean to find the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit? the answer is not so obvious. Finding means more than getting things straight or discovering the most appropriate analogy in human experience for the Triune God. There can be no finding without a change in the seeker. Our minds, he says, must be purified, and we must be made fit and capable of receiving what is sought. We can cleave to God and see the Holy Trinity only when we burn with love.
Robert Louis Wilken, speaking about St Augustine understanding of the Trinity in The Spirit of Early Christian Thought. Seeking the Face of God, 108.
I noted this a couple of days ago and was reminded of it a few minutes ago when I read the addendum to Aaron’s latest post. (And, contrary to what it may seem, this blog does not simply exist to send traffic to his site, but what can I do when he posts stuff like this…?)
July 4, 2012 at 6:01 am
Excellent thoughts from Wilken! Some day I suppose I’ll have to read something of his…
July 4, 2012 at 7:24 am
Yes, indeed. I bought the book on the recommendation of Father Andrew Louth, and finally began reading it when Metropolitan Savas recommended it on FB as his favourite book on the Fathers. Higher recommendation is hard to find!
July 24, 2012 at 3:50 am
I just bought Wilken’s book for my dad for his birthday today (and R.R. Bolgar’s The Classical Heritage & its Beneficiaries for myself).
July 24, 2012 at 7:31 am
Great!