The Johannine Logic of Augustine's Trinity: A Dogmatic Sketch

Abstract

This article follows recent scholarship in identifying a robustly pro-Nicene trinitarianism in Augustine's De Trinitate. In particular, a “Johannine logic” is identified and traced as an exegetical basis for his dogmatic articulation of the doctrine of God. This logic unfolds in the Pater–Filius relationship of the Son's begetting, incarnation, and christological forms as “servant” and “God.” Finally, the enlightening love of the Holy Spirit completes Augustine's Trinity.