by Jimmy Stephens Introduction In this article, internet apologist Jonathyn criticizes the doctrine of simplicity. Specifically, he is out to refute a Thomist version of the doctrine, what he calls “Absolute Divine Simplicity.” By using the term absolute, I take … Continue reading Absolute Divine Simplicity
by Jimmy Stephens: This has the odd (from a modern perspective) result that will’s correspond to nature’s, not “persons.” And in talking to some of its defenders, they will even decry the use of “person” for the Trinitarian Persons as … Continue reading The Complexities of Trinitarian Wills: Unitary and Social Perspectives
In light of recent discussion (between those within the Council and its friends) on the doctrine of the Eternal Generation of the Son, here are Richard Muller’s relatively brief statements (from his theological dictionary) on the doctrine of the Trinity, which touch upon the issues that are part of the discussion (for more see here): Trinitas: Trinity; viz., the existence of God as one in essence (essentia, q.v.) and three in person (persona, q.v.). The doctrine of the Trinity arises out of the church’s reflection on the biblical declaration that God is one but is known as Father, Son, … Continue reading Richard Muller on the Trinity
Over the past six months or so, there has been some discussion within the Council concerning the doctrine of the Eternal Generation of the Son. While some of my dear brothers deny the doctrine, I affirm it and intend to defend and clarify it in the coming months as I have the time to do so. To begin, I thought it would be helpful to post a discussion of the topic from a learned reformed scholastic theologian of the 17th century: Francis Turretin (1623-1687). My hope is that the following excerpt will contribute to the discussion by putting forth not only … Continue reading Francis Turretin on the Eternal Generation of the Son
Many who deny the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ (Arianism in all its forms for example) have attempted to make the historical case that early Christians prior to the Council of Nicea didn’t believe in such things as the idea that Christ, in addition to His human nature, possesses fully the Divine nature in the same way that God the Father and God the Spirit do. While the orthodox Christian may respond with an appeal to a plethora of early documents such as Ignatius’ (A.D. 30-107) statements that demonstrate a high Christology in the Ante-Nicene period, and rightly so, … Continue reading Celsus on the Deity of Christ (2nd Century)
The Council 