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Theology in Three Dimensions: A Guide to Triperspectivalism and Its Significance Paperback – September 1, 2017

by John M. Frame (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 65 ratings
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Because God created all things with coherent unity, everything can be understood from the perspective of everything else. We experience the world in the context of our own bodies, but every day we broaden our understanding through the perspectives of others. Meanwhile, our omniscient God is also omniperspectival. Through his revelation, he allows us a glimpse of his own divine perspective. What does this mean for us? One valuable dimension of this reality is that theological issues can also be helpfully viewed from multiple perspectives without compromising their unity and truth. In this accessible introduction to his Bible study and theological method, John Frame teaches us to approach doctrine with situational, normative, and existential perspectives modeled on the Trinity.
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  5. Dimensions
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  6. ISBN-10
    1629953229
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1629953229
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John M. Frame (BD, Westminster Theological Seminary; AM, MPhil, Yale University; DD, Belhaven College) is J. D. Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando. He is the author of many books, including the four-volume Theology of Lordship series, and previously taught theology and apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) and at Westminster Seminary California.

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Editorial Reviews

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“In spite of what many think, Jesus doesn’t command us in the Great Commission to teach people all that he commanded us. Instead, he commands us to teach people to obey all that he commanded us (Matt. 28:20). And there’s a big difference. With this difference in mind, John Frame presents us with an approach to understanding and teaching the Bible that has the goal of not merely transmitting truth from the teacher’s mind to the student’s mind, but also applying that truth to the student’s heart and life. As one of the foremost Christian philosophers and theologians of our day, Frame argues for us to think of theology not only as the accumulation and memorization of doctrinal ideas, but also as the practical application of those ideas to hearts and lives. He calls this approach triperspectivalism. Don’t let that term throw you. This is a God-centered method for interpreting and teaching the Bible that is deeply rooted in the triune nature of God as Lord and in Jesus as Christ, especially reflected in his three offices as Prophet, Priest, and King. Even though Frame has written much on this topic during his fifty years as a seminary professor, he has once again proved his commitment to help people apply the Bible and theology to real life through this concise and practical book. I know of no more God-honoring, life-transforming approach for understanding and teaching the Word of God than the one that John Frame presents in Theology in Three Dimensions. I highly recommend it and pray that God will use it around the world for the sake of the nations.” -- Steve Childers, President, Pathway Learning; Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando

“Theology in Three Dimensions is practical, pastoral, and accessible. Need help making sense of what the Bible teaches about our God, our lives, and our world from a thoroughly Trinitarian perspective? Are you looking for a handbook to Dr. Frame’s triperspectival approach to theology? You’ve found it!” -- Jim Fitzgerald, Equipping Pastors International

“This book provides a clear and refreshing explanation of John Frame’s insightful approach to studying the Bible (and everything else!) from three different ‘perspectives.’ It is the fruit of a lifetime of thinking and teaching about the inexhaustible splendor of God himself, God’s Word, God’s world, and us as creatures made in God’s image.” -- Wayne Grudem, Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies, Phoenix Seminary

“I commend this book as a short, useful, practical introduction to triperspectivalism. Frame introduces and explains in a clear way the main triads that he has used, especially the triad for lordship and the triad for ethics. He briefly shows their relation to the Trinity and the way they work in practice. The scope of the discussion makes the book an excellent introduction to the rest of his publications.” -- Vern S. Poythress, Professor of New Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary; author, Redeeming Science: A God-Centered Approach

“It would be a theological treat to have in a single volume a summary of the chief contribution of arguably the world’s leading English-speaking theologian. You hold that book in your hands. John M. Frame and Vern Poythress have written copiously about multiperspectivalism, an invaluable tool in interpreting God’s revelation. It is an instance of genuine theological development in that it has no obvious precedent in church history, though, as Frame notes, it harmonizes neatly with the Westminster Confession of Faith. In this book, Frame distills decades of careful Bible study and teaching in furnishing a remarkable key for understanding God’s revelation. This is one of those books that you can keep turning to in your life and ministry. The Bible is unchanged and unchanging, but our perspectives on it should deepen and mature over time. Frame shows what these perspectives are and how they work.” -- P. Andrew Sandlin, Founder and President, Center for Cultural Leadership

“Care. Despite the erudite riches contained in this work, what surfaces throughout is John Frame’s care and concern: care for God’s glory and for the church. Frame shatters the common notion that profundity and scholarship must be long, tedious, arcane, and impractical. The very structure of this work shows how triperspectivalism is really ‘theology as application,’ as Frame has insisted for decades―the crisp text, usable discussion questions, handy glossary, and additional resources make this work an accessible and ideal on ramp and gateway for exploring and habituating ‘what God’s Word requires me to do now,’ as John has often put it. Frame cares, and with this work, you can learn to cultivate real care for God, God’s creation, and God’s image, our neighbors―all to his glory.” -- Jeffery J. Ventrella, Senior Counsel, Senior Vice-President, Strategic Training, Alliance Defending Freedom

About the Author

John M. Frame (BD, Westminster Theological Seminary; AM, MPhil, Yale University; DD, Belhaven College) is J. D. Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando. He is the author of many books, including the four-volume Theology of Lordship series, and previously taught theology and apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) and at Westminster Seminary California.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ P&R Publishing (September 1, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 136 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1629953229
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1629953229
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.3 x 8.4 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 65 ratings

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John M. Frame

John M. Frame

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John M. Frame (AB, Princeton University; BD, Westminster Theological Seminary; MA and MPhil, Yale University; DD, Belhaven College) holds the J. D. Trimble Chair of Systematic Theology and Philosophy at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and is the author of many books, including the four-volume Theology of Lordship series.

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4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
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Top reviews from the United States

Adam T. Calvert
5.0 out of 5 stars Frame's Systematic Theology for the Layman
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
John Frame does it again, only this time even more for the layman. I've always been a big fan of Dr. John Frame, ever since I read his Doctrine of the Knowledge of God. He has many other books and articles that God uses to simply change your entire understanding of worldview, Christian living, and theology.

Well, in his retirement, he's somehow condensed the basic theology he teaches in pretty much all of his works (Triperspectivalism) into a very readable format.

I will say, that even though this book is short and toned down a little from the academic language of some of his larger works - even then you'll still want to read it slowly.

But as with all his works you'll come away from it a changed person for your good and God's glory.
7 people found this helpful
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B. Duncan
5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking without the requirement of advanced theological reading
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2018
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Great for grounding the believer in his approach to theology or anything else. Would make a wonderful group study and discussion tool. Opens up realms of further study upon these and other topics. Not as technical as the title may make it sound. I'm no academic so anyone can enjoy it as much as I.
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Nelson Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2018
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good book
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SLIMJIM
4.0 out of 5 stars Frame's Triperspectivalism is insightful
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2017
Over the years I have really benefited from reading theologian John Frame especially in thinking more consciously of my theological method. John Frame’s triperspectivalism and his exploration of the inter-relationship of doctrines, theology and different field of study has also caused me not only to think more clearly but more worshipful of the God who is the source of the unity of various disciplines, doctrines and foci in theology. In this book John Frame gives us a short one volume introduction to his triperspectivalism and his perspectivalism in general. I’m glad he wrote this work.
This book has eight chapters with the first one defining and introducing the readers to how John Frame understands the meaning of “perspectives” and how we all view the world perspectivally. Frame quoted from his colleague Vern Poythress with the best definition of perspective: It is a “(1) view of something (2) by someone (3) from somewhere.” I thought this book was nuanced enough to make it clear that Frame is not a relativists or a subjectivists despite what some of his ill-informed critics might say. Frame’s perspectivalism humbles believers since we know we don’t see all the perspective of any given subject and only God is omniscient and omniperspectival. Chapter two then summarized Frame’s perspectivalism as applied to the discussion of the Trinity with chapter three being perspectivalism applied to the Gospel and chapter four to all of life. Chapters five through seven looks at Frame’s typical triad of the normative, situational and existential perspective respectively. Chapter eight ends the book with a discussion of what to do with perspectives.
I enjoyed each chapter featuring review questions and reflection for each chapter. In addition it was helpful to see a glossary at the end of each chapter. In terms of the contents I felt I didn’t learn anything particular that was very new but it was good to see Frame summarize his perspectivalism and also the inter-relationship of various aspect of theology. For example I enjoyed his point that all the attributes of God can be discussed from one attribute or another attribute since the other attributes shape any given attribute being discussed. God’s love is to be understood in relations to His other attributes such as His eternity, Holiness, etc. Thus God’s love is eternal, is holy, etc. Yet I think Frame also is conscious of the doctrine of divine simplicity in that God is not just an impersonal collection of characteristics but that God is love, etc. Even in the area of theological method Frame notes how facts and laws are inter-related since “there are norms in the facts, the norms are themselves facts; and the norms and facts are elements of our subjective experience” (chapter 4). There’s plenty of these nuggets throughout the book. This also is helpful for one’s apologetics such as the presuppositionalist’s discussion about the possibility of knowledge in a Christian and non-Christian worldview for “knowing requires facts (situational), minds able to know facts (existential) and rules for interpreting facts (normative)” yet somehow the three aspects are beautifully coherent with one another in the Christian worldview.
In terms of constructive criticism I must say I was hoping for more in the chapter on the Gospel. I do think he’s made a good point about not being reductionistic of pitting secular against the sacred or the subjective aspect of salvation against the objective elements, etc but it wasn’t triperspectivalism per se. I also disagreed with Frame’s example in chapter one of how Scripture sometimes can be not so clear from the question of whether or no Jesus cleared the money changers in the Temple early in his ministry (John 2:13-17), towards the end of his ministry (Matthew 21:12-17) or twice in the beginning and end of his ministry. Now I do think some areas of Scripture might not as clear as other section or that it require more hard word in attaining the proper interpretation but I don’t think the example Frame gave was a good one since I think it is clear that Jesus clearing the money changers in the Temple happened twice. In my master’s thesis I argued that the second event is best understood with the first event as part of the tactics of Jesus’ enemies to trap him.
Overall though I recommend this book and found it helpful.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by P&R Publishing and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
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Yohanes Halim
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2017
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Perfect explanation
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sojotheo
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Long-awaited Introduction!
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2017
John M. Frame is Emeritus Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. Frame received an MA and MPhil from Yale University and a DD from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. Frame is the author or contributor of numerous books, including Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief, A History of Western Philosophy and Theology, and the four-volume Theology of Lordship series. Frame is a brilliant and distinguished Christian thinker in the Reformed tradition, and well-known for the concept of Triperspectivalism—a revolutionary approach to understanding the world (and everything therein) from three distinct perspectives. Triperspectivalism threads itself through nearly everything that Frame does, and, until now, readers would need to explore his entire corpus to develop a succinct portrait of the concept. It is here that Theology in Three Dimensions: A Guide to Triperspectivalism and Its Significance offers readers a concise look into the methodology and rationale for Frame’s three-fold approach.

Theology in Three Dimensions appropriately begins with a brief discussion on perspectives. Frame unpacks the collaborative effort of Vern Poythress in the development of the approach and helpfully demonstrates the basic construct of Triperspectivalism. A perspective, according to Frame, “is the position from which a person sees something . . . the angle from which he looks” (p. 2). For Frame, because God is triune in nature, inevitably the world around us (the creation of the triune God) reflects his triunity in the abundance of triads that dot its existence. Theology in Three Dimensions is primarily concerned with showing such theologically and biblically, and thus Frame’s discussion focuses on three perspectives: (1) the normative, (2) the situational, and (3) the existential perspectives.

The normative perspective is concerned with what ought to be (obligations), rather than what is (p. 53). That is, the normative perspective is a perspective of knowledge that views the world as a revelation of God’s will (p. 95). Frame notes, “the normative perspective includes everything that God has made and everything that God has said to us” (p. 57). The situational perspective is concerned with the states of affairs or the objects of knowledge—facts. That is, the situational perspective focuses on the objects in the world rather than the norms that ought to be in the world. As Frame differentiates, “laws and facts, norms and situations, describe one world—God’s world—from two perspectives” (p. 62). The existential perspective is a perspective of human knowledge that focuses on our internal subjective experience in close proximity to the presence of God (p. 94). That is, the existential perspective is closely related to the concept of knowledge of self. Each of these perspectives holds together within themselves and offer triadic layers within layers.

Theology in Three Dimensions is a fascinating read. It’s brief and can be read in a single sitting. That said, while Frame is a gifted communicator and a prolific writer, most readers will need to read it more than once to see how the concept fits together. Chapters 2-4 further elaborate on the nature of perspectives, while chapters 5-7 spend more time unpacking each of the perspectives individually. Where readers will most likely find satisfaction in Frame’s book (apart from a clear concise presentation of the far-reaching nature of Triperspectivalism) is chapter 8—what to do with perspectives. Here Frame takes the concept of Triperspectivalism and applies it (briefly) to various aspects of life, such as salvation, the word of God, philosophy, apologetics, and even pedagogy. So, what’s the big deal with Triperspectivalism? “It keeps us focused on the biblical bottom line,” Frame continues, “that God is nothing less than the Lord, and that his lordship is fully revealed in Jesus Christ . . . everything we do as Christians should be done to Jesus as Lord” (p. 89).

If you are looking for a quick introduction to one of the most revolutionary ways to view the world and teach the Bible, then Theology in Three Dimensions: A Guide to Triperspectivalism and Its Significance by John M. Frame is an essential read. It will not only change the way that you interact with the Bible, it will change the way that you interact with God! It comes highly recommended!
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Norma Braga
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
Reviewed in Brazil on September 1, 2019
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Wonderful explanation about triperspectivalism. Best for beginners, but it can enlighten a lot for non beginners also. I recommend it vividly.
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Hanniel
5.0 out of 5 stars Einführung in Frames pädagogisches Metamodell der drei Perspektiven
Reviewed in Germany on February 7, 2019
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Autor: John Frame (* 1939) ist reformierter theologischer Philosoph (ausbildet in Princeton, Yale und Westminster).
Leseerlebnis: Knappe, gut lesbare Einführung in das Lebenswerk

Zielsetzung
Frames Ziel in diesem knapp hundertseitigen Büchlein ist die Einführung in sein Metamodell der drei Perspektiven. Zunächst gilt einschränkend festzuhalten, dass dieser Ansatz einen pädagogischen Hauptzweck verfolgt. Das soll sowohl einer zu starren Anwendung, aber auch dem Gedanken „one fits all“ vorbeugen.

Zum Begriff "Perspektive"
Frames Definition von „Perspektive“: Es handelt sich um eine (1) Ansicht von etwas (2) durch jemanden (3) von irgendwo.

Die menschliche Perspektive
- Unsere menschliche Perspektive ist stets begrenzt.
- Wir nehmen ausschließlich durch unsere Sinne wahr. Dies ist unser exklusiver „Kanal“.
- Wir können unsere Perspektive durch andere Menschen erweitern.
- Unsere endlichen menschlichen Perspektiven hängen gegenseitig voneinander ab.
- Sogar unsere Erkenntnis der Perspektive anderer bleibt perspektivisch.
- Unser eigenes Denken reflektiert Gottes komplexes Denken.
- Das gesellschaftlich akzeptierte autonome Denken behauptet jedoch den Vorrang des menschlichen Denkens und Handelns ohne Standard ausserhalb seiner selbst.

Die göttliche Perspektive
- Gott verfügt über eine unbeschränkte Perspektive.
- Gott gewährt uns begrenzte Einsicht in seine Perspektive.
- Diese Perspektive umfasst und korrigiert alle anderen Perspektiven.
Dieser letzte Gedanke ist unglaublich wichtig. „Gottes Erkenntnis ist … unser Maßstab. Unsere Überzeugungen sind insofern wahr, als sie mit denen von Gott übereinstimmen. Aber die von Gott sind immer wahr, nur weil sie seine sind. Er ist sein eigenes Kriterium, der ultimative Test seiner eigenen Gedanken. Aber unsere Gedanken dienen nicht als ihr eigenes Kriterium. Das heißt, sie sind nicht autonom.“ (S. 8)

Trinität und die drei Perspektiven
Mit einem trinitarischen Fokus weist Frame auf den Vater als erste Autorität (supreme authority), den Sohn als ausführende Kraft (executive power) und den Geist als alles durchdringende Gegenwart (pervasive presence) hin (S. 19). Frame ist sorgsam bestrebt, das Geheimnis der heiligen Dreieinheit nicht in eine Form von Modalismus zu verwandeln. Es geht um Gott in drei Personen. Sie sind voneinander unterschieden, jedoch alle in dieselbe Handlung involviert. Die drei Personen sind mehr als drei Perspektiven, aber nicht weniger.

Das Modell
Die göttliche Herrschaft kann unter den drei Perspektiven Kontrolle, Autorität und Gegenwart angesehen werden.
Er kontrolliert alle Dinge durch seine Macht, spricht mit absoluter Autorität und fordert Gehorsam ein. Zudem offenbart er sich seinem Volk durch "Bundesnähe" (covenant intimacy).

- Wer Natur und Geschichte studiert, erkennt Gottes Kontrolle über den von Ihm geschaffenen Kosmos. Dies bezeichnet Frame als situative Perspektive.
- Gottes Autorität kann in seinem moralischen Universum betrachtet werden. Dies ist die normative Perspektive.
- Gottes persönliche Gegenwart in allem ist schließlich die existenzielle Perspektive.

Frame betont, dass jede Perspektive in der anderen enthalten sei. Die normative Perspektive ist Teil unserer Situation. Die Situation offenbart Gott als Normgeber. Die persönliche Gegenwart Gottes wird sowohl durch die Situation als auch durch den Inhalt dieser Normen offenbart. Wir verstehen Gottes Normen, wenn wir seine Gebote in der Situation (situative Perspektive) und auf unser inneres Leben (existenzielle Perspektive) anwenden. Unsere Situation verstehen wir nicht ohne unseren Platz in eben dieser (existenzielle Perspektive) und ohne die Normen, die es für eine angemessene Betrachtung von Gottes Welt (normative Perspektive) braucht.
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K. Moss
5.0 out of 5 stars A model of clarity
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 9, 2018
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This is a short book. Excluding glossary, bibliography etc it runs to 91 pages and consists of 8 tightly-focused chapters. The author sets out to provide a 'triperspectival' theological perspective for understanding reality, based upon Normative, Situational and Existential perspectives. He shows (convincingly) that this framework applies to philosophy, theology and apologetics, and in that sense this book provides an invaluable aid to the thinking reader who wishes to expand his or her understanding in a balanced way that makes sense of quite differing perspectives.

I was struck by the fact that what John Frame sets out to do is a rather ambitious project, and yet he achieves his aim admirably within such a brief treatment. No doubt there is much more to be said by way of exposition of the basic idea, but this little book is testimony to the man's skill not just as a writer but (more importantly) as a teacher. And I was struck again by the immensely fruitful collaborative relationship with Verne Poythress, resulting in this most creative and accessible approach to theology.
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Neil Cullan McKinlay
4.0 out of 5 stars Thinking Trinitarianly
Reviewed in Australia on November 6, 2023
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One would expect to see God’s fingerprints and footprints all over His handiwork. By giving us a, if you will, God’s-eye view of things, John Frame, by his “Triperspectivalism”, shows us how creation reflects the triune God. Each member of the trinity of perspectives is looking inward from each one of the three points of an equilateral triangle: Situational Perspective, Normative Perspective, Existential Perspective. As per the equal ultimacy of the One and the Many, each perspective is equal to the others. No perspective lords it over the others. Thus, Triperspectivalism.

The book provides a helpful glossary at the end of each chapter. “Situational Perspective. A perspective of knowledge in which we focus on the objects in the world. Normative Perspective. A perspective of knowledge in which we focus on the world as a revelation of God’s will. Existential Perspective. A perspective of human knowledge, focusing on our internal experience in close proximity to God’s presence.” Thus, Triperspectivalism focuses on objects in the world, while understanding the world as a revelation of the will of God, while internally experiencing a God’s-eye view, processes this knowledge in God’s presence.

The equilateral triangle contains the objects, from the whole of which, God’s will can be seen by focusing on our experience under God’s watchful eye. The word “theology” in the book’s title, “Theology in Three Dimensions” lets us know that we are studying God and His creation in light of Scripture.

I hope I have not anywhere misconstrued any of Dr Frame’s teachings in this brief review of his book. I have merely tried to summarize them. Forgive me if I’ve misunderstood or mistakenly misstated anything. Our God is most gracious and He is triune. Theology in Three Dimensions has helped greatly to deepen my knowledge of Him, His creation, and me.
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