This scholarly treatment of a pertinent theme in contemporary Barth studies carries research into the hermeneutical dimensions of Barth's Trinity doctrine well beyond what has been available until now. Thoroughly researched, this book enters into the contemporary dialogue on the subject initiated by the German scholar, Eberhard Jungel. Focusing primarily on the functional aspects of the dogma within Barth's "Church Dogmatics," Leslie illustrates not only the hermeneutical rules which Barth employs in his theological system, particularly in the theological use of tradition and philosophy, but also the theological understanding of language which underlies these rules. The book offers astonishing new insights into the relevance of Barth's thought for the continuing hermeneutical discussion within Christian theology."