Two Views on the Doctrine of the Trinity

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Publisher : Zondervan Academic
ISBN 13 : 0310498139
Total Pages : 241 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (14 download)

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Book Synopsis Two Views on the Doctrine of the Trinity by : Stephen R. Holmes

Download or read book Two Views on the Doctrine of the Trinity written by Stephen R. Holmes and published by Zondervan Academic. This book was released on 2014-09-02 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Christians have always believed in the triune God, but they haven't always understood or used the doctrine of the Trinity consistently. In order to form a coherent view of trinitarian theology, it's important for Christians to have a working knowledge of the two legitimate models for explaining this doctrine: Classical – presenting a traditional view of the Trinity, represented by the Baptist theologian Stephen R. Holmes and the Roman Catholic theologian Paul D. Molnar. Relational – presenting the promise and potential hazards of a relational doctrine, represented by the evangelical theologian Thomas H. McCall and the Baptist philosopher Paul S. Fiddes. In this volume of the Counterpoints series, leading contributors establish their models and approaches to the doctrine of the Trinity (or, the relationship between the threeness and oneness of the divine life). Each expert highlights the strengths of his view in order to argue how it best reflects the orthodox perspective. In order to facilitate a genuine debate and to make sure that the key issues are revealed, each contributor addresses the same questions regarding their trinitarian methodology, doctrine, and its implications.

The Trinity

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Author :
Publisher : Review and Herald Pub Assoc
ISBN 13 : 9780828016841
Total Pages : 292 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (168 download)

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Book Synopsis The Trinity by : Woodrow Wilson Whidden

Download or read book The Trinity written by Woodrow Wilson Whidden and published by Review and Herald Pub Assoc. This book was released on 2002 with total page 292 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Among Seventh-day Adventists the doctrine of the Trinity is often taken for granted. But increasingly it is opposed by a small minority who have retreated to the anti-Trinitarian position of the pioneers. In response the authors, each a specialist in his field, trace the doctrine of the Trinity through Scripture, church history, and the writings of Ellen G. White.; ; The first section surveys the biblical foundations of the doctrine and addresses objections that have been raised. Other sections trace the development of the doctrine in Christian history, in Adventist history, and in the writings of Ellen White. The authors explain why the doctrine was resisted by many of the leading pioneers.; ; The final section asks "So what?" It discusses the theological and practical implications of Trinitarian belief, worship, and practice, showing how it affects what we believe about salvation, atonement, the great controversy, and other significant doctrines. With glossaries, bibliography, and index, this comprehensive primer on the Trinity will shed new light on the central beliefs of Christianity, and show how God still leads His church into all truth. - Introduction; SECTION ONE--The Biblical Evidence for the Full Deity of Christ, the Personality of the Spirit, and the Unity and Oneness of the Godhead; Chapter 1: The Strongest Bible Evidence for the Trinity; Chapter 2: The Full and Eternal Deity of Christ: Part I--The New Testament Epistles, the Old; Testament, and the Gospels; Chapter 3: The Full and Eternal Deity of Christ: Part II--The Gospel of John; Chapter 4: The Personality and Deity of the Spirit and the Triune Oneness of the Godhead; Chapter 5: Trinitarian Evidences in the Book of Revelation; Chapter 6: Biblical Objections to the Trinity; Chapter 7: Logical Objections to the Trinity; SECTION TWO--The History of the Trinity Doctrine From A.D. 100 to A.D. 1500; SECTION THREE--Trinity and Anti-Trinitarianism From the Reformation to the Advent; Movement; SECTION FOUR--The Doctrine of the Trinity and Its Implications for Christian Thought and Practice; Index

British Views on the Oneness of God with Observations on the Doctrine of the Trinity

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Author :
Publisher : AuthorHouse
ISBN 13 : 146856112X
Total Pages : 68 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (685 download)

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Book Synopsis British Views on the Oneness of God with Observations on the Doctrine of the Trinity by : Kulwant Singh Boora

Download or read book British Views on the Oneness of God with Observations on the Doctrine of the Trinity written by Kulwant Singh Boora and published by AuthorHouse. This book was released on 2012-03-16 with total page 68 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Attested to by some of the worlds leading scholars, historians and theologians, Britain received Christianity as early as the second or third century that was brought over into Britain not longer after the events of the Day of Pentecost, which is noted in the New Testament. Such Christianity and theology, of course, had its roots in Jewish monotheism, which later in the New Testament centered on a very high christology that assigned unique divine qualities to Jesus that were inherently reserved for the God of Israel as expounded in the God in Christ or Jesus is God New Testament narratives. The British then are counted in the body of believers of adhering to a theology of the oneness view of God from the ancient days of Christianity. This is coupled with the notation of ascribing to baptism in the name of Jesus only in the earlier centuries of Great Britain as explained by British theologians and scholars, one in particular, an Oxford University scholar has attested to such an early practice by the British. More pointedly, commissioned British studies have also concluded that the doctrine of the trinity is a dead letter in the British churches and one that is the subject of neglect, to the extent that trinitarian Christians are hard pressed to given an account, let alone a defense, of the doctrine of the trinity. While the author’s work is not final on the subject of British apostolic oneness pentecostal theology yet it paves the way for a review of the studies that will lead to a wholesome perception that the apostolic oneness view of theology, whether it is in a form of sabellianism or modalism has been present within Britain for centuries. The God in Christ or Jesus is God christology is certainly something that British theologians have believed wholeheartedly as one notable British scholar has pointed out, which has generated continued interest in this field of study in contrast to the troubling commissioned studies on the subject of the doctrine of the trinity, which is a post-New Testament product emerging from secular philosophical and platonic concepts catapulted into the Bible. Books by the Author Book 1 - Oneness of God and the Doctrine of the Trinity Book 2 - Oneness and Monotheism Book 3 - Apostolic (Acts 2:38) and Post-Apostolic Baptism Apostolic Baptism (Matthew 28:19) Volume 1 Book 3 - Apostolic (Acts 2:38) and Post Apostolic Baptism (Matthew 28:19) Volume 2 Book 4 - Baptism in the Name of Jesus (Acts 2:38 From Jerusalem to Great Britain Book 5 - The Roman Catholic Church And Its Recognition of The Validity of Baptism In The Name of Jesus (Acts 2:38) 100 A.D. to 500 A.D Book 6 - Baptism in the Name of Jesus Name (Acts 2:38) and The New Testament Pauline Epistles Book 7 – British Views on The Oneness of God With Observations on the Doctrine of the Trinity

Understanding the Trinity

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Publisher : AuthorHouse
ISBN 13 : 143893534X
Total Pages : 482 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (389 download)

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Book Synopsis Understanding the Trinity by : Daniels Will Daniels

Download or read book Understanding the Trinity written by Daniels Will Daniels and published by AuthorHouse. This book was released on 2009-02 with total page 482 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Understanding the Trinity is a revolution in Christian thought and philosophy. True Christianity is a Jewish religion established and organized by Jews. Gentiles were invited by Jews, with God's approval, to participate in the Christian movement. However, Gentile Leaders in most Christian Churches of the world today do not preach the original Christian gospel message of salvation that was first delivered to the saints by the apostle Paul (Galatians 1:8-9). "Understanding the Trinity, Three Persons vs Three Manifestations," will bring us back to the original gospel message, the oneness of God, and the power of God's name in the face of Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Luke 2:11). When Billy G. Newton, Bishop, Diocesan of the 29th Episcopal District, Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., Pastor of the Word of Church read this book, he said, "This book was so fascinating I couldn't put it down." When Kevin Seraaj, M.Div., J.D. Senior Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Publisher, Central Florida Advocate News read this book, he said, "Understanding the Trinity" is a timely, relevant and extremely provocative piece of work. In a time when the church must be challenged to move out of old ways, notions, thoughts and traditions, this book will without question provide a forum for much-needed theological discussion. For students of the Bible, this book is a must read, for it is always that process of reading, analyzing and debating that enables us to move forward in both our personal and spiritual journeys." Great job!! When Frank E. Thompson, Pastor of the Worship Center Church read the book, he said, "This book should be taught in colleges and universities." Author's Note: You have in your possession the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Don't let the birds steal your seeds (Matthew 13:3-13) (KJV).

Theological Models of the Doctrine of the Trinity

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Author :
Publisher : Langham Global Library
ISBN 13 : 1783689064
Total Pages : 149 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (836 download)

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Book Synopsis Theological Models of the Doctrine of the Trinity by : James Henry Owino Kombo

Download or read book Theological Models of the Doctrine of the Trinity written by James Henry Owino Kombo and published by Langham Global Library. This book was released on 2016-08-30 with total page 149 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The doctrine of the Trinity is the foundational doctrine for all Christian theology, doxology and practice. In this publication James Kombo brings a unique and valuable contribution to understanding the Trinity and how God can be understood within the context of any culture and language. Kombo first recognizes and brings into focus God’s self-presentation in Scripture as the triune God. Moving from the early church through various church traditions over the centuries, he interacts with how each tradition viewed God and their interpretation of the Trinity. Closing with a distinctly African view of God from the Luo language tradition, used mostly in Kenya and Tanzania, Kombo emphasises the benefits of considering alternative models of interpretation from various regions of the world. Kombo’s work applying his research across cultures makes this an excellent resource in any context of ministry and the academy.

Biblical and Theological Studies on the Trinity

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Publisher : ATF Press
ISBN 13 : 1921511400
Total Pages : 265 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (215 download)

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Book Synopsis Biblical and Theological Studies on the Trinity by : Rob McIver

Download or read book Biblical and Theological Studies on the Trinity written by Rob McIver and published by ATF Press. This book was released on 2013-12-31 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The word 'trinity' is not in the Bible. The expression of the doctrine was developed over a long period and finalized only in the fourth century. Many Christians who want to be biblical have questioned the official church doctrine on the Godhead. The following collection of articles from a a Seventh day Adventist conference in Sydney emphasizes, however, that the concept of the trinity is thoroughly biblical. The book covers a variety of aspects of the discussion of the doctrine, both biblical, historical, and theological, such as the trinity in the gospel of John, the meaning of 'monegenes', Kellogg and the trinity, and Islam and the trinity.

Four Views on the Church's Mission

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Publisher : Zondervan Academic
ISBN 13 : 0310522749
Total Pages : 209 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (15 download)

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Book Synopsis Four Views on the Church's Mission by : Zondervan,

Download or read book Four Views on the Church's Mission written by Zondervan, and published by Zondervan Academic. This book was released on 2017-10-24 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What is the Church's mission? What does it mean to participate in God's mission personally? How do "mission" and culture interact and conflict? This book articulates various evangelical views regarding the church's mission and provides a healthy, vigorous, and gracious debate on this controversial topic. In a helpful Counterpoints format, this volume demonstrates the unique theological frameworks, doctrinal convictions, and missiological conclusions that inform and distinguish the views: Soteriological Mission: Jonathan Leeman Participatory Mission: Christopher Wright Contextual Mission: John Franke Ecumenical-Political Mission: Peter Leithart Each contributor answers the same key questions based on their biblical interpretations and theological convictions: What is your biblical-theological framework for mission? How does your definition of mission inform your understanding of the church's mission? How does the Mission of God and Kingdom of God relate to the mission of the church? What is the gospel? How does your view on the gospel inform the mission of the church? How do verbal proclamation of the gospel, discipleship, corporate worship, caring for the poor, social justice, restoring shalom, developing culture, and international missions fit into the church's mission? The interactive format helps readers get a clearer picture of why different conclusions are drawn and provide a fresh starting point for discussion and debate of the church's mission. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

The Trinity

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Publisher : Presbyterian Publishing Corp
ISBN 13 : 0664228909
Total Pages : 434 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (642 download)

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Book Synopsis The Trinity by : Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen

Download or read book The Trinity written by Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen and published by Presbyterian Publishing Corp. This book was released on 2007-01-01 with total page 434 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Unique for its breadth in studying theologians not only from Europe and North America but also from Latin America, Asia, and Africa, this landmark volume introduces the doctrine of the Trinity, examining the work and thought of contemporary theologians throughout the world. Veli-Matti Karkkainen provides an overview of the biblical roots of the doctrine, discussing both the idea of plurality in God in the Old Testament and the rise of Trinitarian understandings in the New Testament. He details the historical growth of Trinitarian traditions and delves into specific theologies, both Western and non-Western. Also including both an introductory consideration of the doctrine's significance and a concluding assessment and agenda for future thought, Karkkainen'sThe Trinityis the broadest and most comprehensive contemporary study on the Trinity available.

The Doctrine of God

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Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN 13 : 0567677850
Total Pages : 272 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (676 download)

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Book Synopsis The Doctrine of God by : John C. Peckham

Download or read book The Doctrine of God written by John C. Peckham and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2019-09-05 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: John C. Peckham introduces and engages with major questions about God's nature and how God relates to the world. Does God change? Does God have emotions? Can God do anything? Does God know the future? Does God always attain what God desires? And is God entirely good? This textbook provides a clear and concise overview of the issues involved in these and other questions, exploring prominent contemporary approaches to the main issues relative to how to conceive of the God-world relationship within Christian theology. In so doing, Peckham surveys a range of live options regarding each of the primary questions, briefly considering where each falls within the spectrum of the Christian tradition and providing clear and readily understandable explanations of the technical issues involved. The result is a stimulating survey of the most prominent options in Christian theology relative to divine attributes and the God-world relationship, offered in an accessible format for students. Designed for classroom use this volume includes the following features: - study questions for each chapter - suggestions for further reading for each chapter - glossary

Relational Christianity

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Publisher : Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1666731757
Total Pages : 316 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (667 download)

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Book Synopsis Relational Christianity by : Wesley M. Pinkham

Download or read book Relational Christianity written by Wesley M. Pinkham and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2022-06-21 with total page 316 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This work begins with a transformative idea: human existence is fundamentally relational. Relational Christianity explores how the nature of the Trinity must define the Church and the Christian spiritual life. Utilizing Scripture, Christian spiritual tradition, and philosophy, Pinkham and Gruenberg paint the picture of a Trinitarian, Jesus-centered Christianity, led by the Father and explored in interpersonal oneness. In this view, God’s intimate, unifying love is the theological river that runs through the landscape of biblical revelation and through God’s movement in history. This work of Trinitarian practical theology suggests that the relation between Father, Son, and Spirit should shape and guide all Christian interactions—with God, with others, and with self. In the paradigm of relational Christianity, the formation of genuine personhood and identity are based upon relational connections—first with the Trinity, and second with God’s family. The shape of the new covenant community must reflect the Father’s nature. Church culture must prioritize relationship in the same way the Trinity does.

The Necessity of the Trinity! Being an Attempt to Explain ... the Doctrine of the Trinity in Unity ... In Two Letters, from a Father to His Son. By the Author of 'The Christian's Appeal.'.

Download The Necessity of the Trinity! Being an Attempt to Explain ... the Doctrine of the Trinity in Unity ... In Two Letters, from a Father to His Son. By the Author of 'The Christian's Appeal.'. PDF Online Free

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Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 38 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (24 download)

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Book Synopsis The Necessity of the Trinity! Being an Attempt to Explain ... the Doctrine of the Trinity in Unity ... In Two Letters, from a Father to His Son. By the Author of 'The Christian's Appeal.'. by : TRINITY.

Download or read book The Necessity of the Trinity! Being an Attempt to Explain ... the Doctrine of the Trinity in Unity ... In Two Letters, from a Father to His Son. By the Author of 'The Christian's Appeal.'. written by TRINITY. and published by . This book was released on 1831 with total page 38 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

That God May Be All in All

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Publisher : Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1498246141
Total Pages : 308 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (982 download)

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Book Synopsis That God May Be All in All by : Ryan L. Rippee

Download or read book That God May Be All in All written by Ryan L. Rippee and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2018-03-02 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Christology and Pneumatology have long been major preoccupations for theologians, and rightly so, but the work of God the Father has been surprisingly neglected. Through a biblical and exegetical study of the Father's person and work (Paterology), this book argues that, among the persons of the Trinity, the Father is the initiator of all divine activity. Furthermore, it is in the context of a loving eternal relationship with the Son and Spirit that the Father has planned and purposed all things, creating through the Son and by the Spirit, promising and accomplishing redemption through the sending of the Son and the Spirit, and perfecting salvation by bringing about a new heavens and new earth through his Son and Spirit. The only proper response is a Trinitarian-shaped life of worship that worships our Triune God.

Trinity and Religious Pluralism

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Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1351877526
Total Pages : 204 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (518 download)

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Book Synopsis Trinity and Religious Pluralism by : Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen

Download or read book Trinity and Religious Pluralism written by Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2017-09-29 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most distinguishing marks of Christian faith. This is the first book to present an overview of the role of the Trinity in Christian theology in relation to religious pluralism and other religions. Approaching the study of the relationship between Christianity and other religions from the perspective of the Trinity, this book surveys all the major contributions to the topic by leading theologians at the international and ecumenical level. Veli-Matti Karkkainen points to future challenges and areas in need of development, examining in detail a case study exploring how the Catholic Church has responded to Islam from the perspective of the Trinity. Students of theology and religious studies will find this an invaluable text for courses that discuss religious pluralism and Christianity's relation to other religions. Pastors, other Christian workers, and academics will also find it a handy reference tool for teaching and further study.

Should Christianity Abandon the Doctrine of the Trinity?

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Author :
Publisher : Universal-Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1581129408
Total Pages : 264 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (811 download)

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Book Synopsis Should Christianity Abandon the Doctrine of the Trinity? by : Michael Barber

Download or read book Should Christianity Abandon the Doctrine of the Trinity? written by Michael Barber and published by Universal-Publishers. This book was released on 2006-11 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a highly controversial exposition of a doctrine which has dominated Christianity for two thousand years. The book takes apart, piece by piece, the very foundation that so many religions use to support the belief that there are three persons in one God. It analyses the major scriptural references pointed to in Trinity support texts, and examines them in the light of biblical context and by original-language comparisons. World-renowned authorities on biblical Hebrew and Greek are sought for their views on these key scriptures. This is a compelling book which turns the very foundation of Christianity onto its head.

The Tripersonal God

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Publisher : Paulist Press
ISBN 13 : 9780809138876
Total Pages : 244 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (388 download)

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Book Synopsis The Tripersonal God by : Gerald O'Collins

Download or read book The Tripersonal God written by Gerald O'Collins and published by Paulist Press. This book was released on 1999 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Trinity is central to Christian faith, but many Christians have questions about what the Trinity is and why we believe in a trinitarian God. In The Tripersonal God, Gerald O'Collins examnes the roots and development of trinitarian belief, drawing on three areas for reflection: testimony to the tripersonal God in the scriptures--both the Old Testament background and the teaching of Paul and the gospel writers; the development of trinitarian doctrine from the second-century writers and the early councils of the church through medieval theology and modern challenges; major trinitarian issues of today, such as naming the Trinity, the distinct personal existence of the Holy Spirit, and trinitarian imagery. A comprehensive, contemporary inquiry, The Tripersonal God illuminates the historical and scriptural roots of belief in the Trinity and clarifies contemporary trends in trinitarian thought. --

Trinitarian Pneumatological Personhood and the Theology of John Zizioulas

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Publisher : Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1666736716
Total Pages : 333 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (667 download)

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Book Synopsis Trinitarian Pneumatological Personhood and the Theology of John Zizioulas by : Ronald L. Adkins

Download or read book Trinitarian Pneumatological Personhood and the Theology of John Zizioulas written by Ronald L. Adkins and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2023-02-28 with total page 333 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In a growing secular society, what distinguishes a Christian from a non-Christian? Is a Christian identified by certain religious and ceremonial activity, social action, principles, or do their relationships identify them as Christian? This book suggests that a Christian person is in a continual relationship with the Triune God through the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, this living relationship reflects the eternal relationship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, because people have been created in the image and likeness of the Triune God. This book uses historical, theological, philosophical, and biblical approaches to understand the Christian person. Throughout this book, the reader will be engaged with the modern Greek theologian, John Zizioulas. However, this book is a study on the person of the Holy Spirit, though never separated from the trinitarian relationship, who makes a human person a Christian.

Testing the Trinity: Reclaiming the Mystery of Father, Son, and Spirit

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Author :
Publisher : BookLocker.com, Inc.
ISBN 13 : 1647192102
Total Pages : 283 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (471 download)

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Book Synopsis Testing the Trinity: Reclaiming the Mystery of Father, Son, and Spirit by : Shawn Stamp

Download or read book Testing the Trinity: Reclaiming the Mystery of Father, Son, and Spirit written by Shawn Stamp and published by BookLocker.com, Inc.. This book was released on 2020-12-05 with total page 283 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When you consider the aspects of Christianity that differentiate it from other religions, one of its most distinguishing characteristics is certainly the notion of a "triune God." This concept has been the bedrock of Christian orthodoxy for almost two millennia, and even today remains the standard by which everything claiming to be Christian is measured. Indeed, in many respects the Trinity has actually become Christianity’s defining doctrine. In addition to its singular importance, though, the Trinity is also one of the most enigmatic doctrines of the Christian faith. For even though most believers are aware of the Trinity, they would probably be hard-pressed to explain it without slipping into heresy themselves. They know it has something to do with "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," and that the three are somehow one, but that’s about the extent of it. That being said, perhaps the most perplexing thing about this doctrine is that neither the word "Trinity" nor its central premise of "one God in three persons" can be found in Scripture! This comes as a shock to most Christians, who tacitly assume that something as essential as the Trinity must be on virtually every page of the Bible. In reality, though, the Trinity gradually took shape during the 300+ years after the close of the New Testament, a synthesis of Christian doctrine and concepts borrowed from Greek philosophical and religious systems. If you’ve ever had to wrestle with the ideas of Plato and Aristotle, you can start to appreciate why the Trinity is so hard to grasp. So in light of all this, why are we still talking about this doctrine after almost 2,000 years? It’s not in the Bible, most Christians can’t comprehend it, and yet it is deemed to be the litmus test of orthodoxy! Granted, the Trinity has been used many times over the years to vanquish some of the most serious threats that the church has faced; still, when you look at the history of this doctrine it sure feels like the early church fell into the very trap that Paul had warned them about. In his letter to the Colossians, he admonished the church to steer clear of "empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense," yet here we are. Fortunately, there is a better answer to the riddle of "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." We simply need to allow Scripture to speak for itself, rather than listening to it through its would-be interpreter, the Trinity. This is not an easy task, to be sure, since we have been so indoctrinated with the Trinity that it is hard to see anything else when we open the pages of the Bible. Nevertheless, when we set God’s tri-partite designation in the context of the Kingdom of God and the Bible’s overarching story of redemption, the truth of this phrase starts to emerge. The trick, of course, is doing that without also slipping into heresy…which is exactly what "Testing the Trinity" strives to accomplish.