Throughout the last century theologians gave great attention to the doctrine of the Trinity, and succeeded in restoring it to a central place in Christian thought. But as they highlighted the novelty of the revolutionary new trinitarianism, a number of generalizations and simplifications crept into the discussion: a contrast between a supposed "Eastern" view versus a "Western" view; a social and perichoretic foundation for divine unity; and considerable scapegoating of major historical figures, especially among early Latin theologians.

What is needed today is a re-evaluation of the...