For and A gainst de R égnon: Trinitarianism E ast and W est

Modern systematic theologians frequently claim that E astern trinitarianism begins with the persons while W estern trinitarianism begins with the divine essence, and fails to truly differentiate the persons. This article explores the origins of this claim in the writing of T heodore de R égnon, noting recent criticism of his paradigm's applicability to the patristic era. In response to these criticisms, I argue first for the limited validity of the de R égnon paradigm by demonstrating its applicability in the C arolingian– P hotian dispute surrounding the filioque . I then argue against the deployment of the paradigm as a controlling schema in systematic theology by pointing to problems this narrative has created in the theology of R obert J enson and J ohn Z izioulas.