The Holy Spirit as Communion: Colin Gunton & Frank Macchia

In this review Leon Harris's The Holy Spirit as Communion is examined as a focused theological study for readers who want a comparative look at contemporary pneumatology. Our review finds this book especially valuable for students and pastors interested in how the Holy Spirit shapes doctrine of God, Christology, and ecclesiology; the single biggest reason to buy is its concentrated comparison of Colin Gunton and Frank Macchia on the theme of Spirit as communion, which brings clarity to how the Spirit perfects divine personhood and the Trinity's internal life.

Key Features

• Comparative approach: Places Colin Gunton and Frank Macchia side by side so readers can trace convergences and differences in their pneumatologies.
• Focus on communion: Emphasizes the Holy Spirit as the one who perfects the eternal communion within the Trinity, a lens that clarifies divine relations and action.
• Spirit Christology insight: Presents a unique approach to how the Spirit relates to the person and work of Christ, useful for Christological reflection.
• Theological integration: Connects pneumatology to doctrines of God, Christology, and ecclesiology, showing practical implications for church thought and life.
• Synthetic analysis: Offers synthesis rather than mere summary, helping readers discern the broader significance of both theologians' work.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at seminary students, pastors, and academically inclined lay readers who already have a basic grounding in doctrinal theology and want a concentrated study of modern pneumatology. It is particularly helpful for those preparing sermons, lectures, or research on the Trinity and the role of the Spirit in divine and ecclesial life.

Readers seeking a general devotional introduction to the Holy Spirit or a beginner textbook in systematic theology may need a more introductory volume; this work presumes familiarity with theological terms and the underlying debates surrounding Gunton and Macchia.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear comparative structure that highlights key agreements and tensions between Gunton and Macchia.
• Consistent emphasis on communion as a unifying theme, making abstract doctrine more coherent.
• Useful connections to Christology and ecclesiology that show the Spirit's practical theological importance.

Cons

• Not designed as an introductory text, so novices may find the argumentation dense and requiring background reading.

Specifications

Title	The Holy Spirit as Communion
Author	Leon Harris
Subject	Pneumatology, Trinity, Christology, Ecclesiology
Primary focus	Comparative study of Colin Gunton and Frank Macchia
Thematic lens	Spirit as communion and koinonia
Intended audience	Students, pastors, theological readers

Our Verdict

Leon Harris's book is a focused, thoughtful comparative study that rewards readers with some theological background; it stands out for making the Holy Spirit's role in perfecting divine communion both intelligible and theologically consequential. Those seeking careful argumentation on pneumatology, especially its ties to Christology and ecclesiology, will find it good value for study and sermon preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book compare specific theologians?
Yes, it examines the pneumatologies of Colin Gunton and Frank Macchia and contrasts their approaches using the theme of communion.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Not primarily; the book presumes some prior theological knowledge and is best for seminary students, pastors, or well-read lay theologians.

What is the central theme?
The central theme is the Holy Spirit as the person who perfects divine communion within the Trinity and thereby informs the Spirit's action in creation and the church.