The Promise of the Father, the Spirit of the Son: A Framework for a Trinitarian Christological Pneumatology

Abstract

In this dissertation, I argue that a biblically faithful, theologically robust, and historically grounded pneumatology should be founded upon a classical trinitarian framework as well as maintain a distinct Christological emphasis. Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to this study. In chapter 2, I argue that social trinitarianism and third article theology (which includes Spirit Christology) do not supply sufficient persuasive power to dethrone classical trinitarianism and traditional taxis theology as the standard and preferred methods for engaging in trinitarian theological discourse and construction. Hence, it is upon the foundation of the classical approach that my framework is built. In chapter 3, I present the first pillar of a trinitarian Christological pneumatology: Christocentrism. I argue that hermeneutical and salvation-historical Christocentrism possesses sufficient warrant to establish—and even necessitate—that pneumatology be Christ-centered. In chapter 4, I present the second pillar of a trinitarian Christological pneumatology: inseparable operations, the trinitarian taxis, and distinct personal appropriations. I submit that a healthy understanding of these theological concepts is essential for a healthy theology of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. In chapter 5, I present the third pillar of a trinitarian Christological pneumatology: the divine missions. I contend that the missions of the Son and the Holy Spirit are central to trinitarian theology; therefore, a robust theology of the divine missions is crucial for having a well-rounded pneumatology—which itself is Christ-centered. Chapter 6 concludes this study.