The Trinitarian Controversy ed. by William Rusch Review

Author: ed. William G. Rusch

Pages: 182pgs

Publisher: Fortress Press

Price: 18.00 or Used for 3.00

Genre: Church History/Theology

Quick Summary:

The Trinity is one of the most difficult doctrines (if not THE most difficult doctrine) to understand in all of Christendom. Issues related to the Godhead dominated early Christian discussion. The Trinitarian Controversy is a volume in the Sources of Early Christian Though series. In this series original sources are brought to light to discuss certain theological issues. In this particular volume the reader gets to hear from Arius, Alexander of Alexandria, Athanasius, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa, Augustine, and a fair amount of Creeds, Letters, and Canons.

What I Liked:

It is always fun to read the original sources—though undoubtedly some is lost in translation. This series is a great idea, and probably a very difficult task. The introduction to the issue and bibliography is also helpful for further study. I read through this for a church history class and it was somewhat helpful to understand the issues surrounding the Trinitarian debates of the first centuries.

What I Disliked:

This is a pretty difficult read. Reading things from the first five centuries of Christendom is often a difficult task. The Trinity is hard enough to understand; trying to moderately grasp the Trinity and also understand the mind of early Christian thinkers is a difficult task. It’s fun, but it’s tough. But this book is not meant for light study.

Should You Buy It?

If you are a seminary student or studying the Trinity in depth this is a great resource. If you are just casually interested in Trinitarian debates there are probably better places to go to get a summary of early Christian thought.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Heresy, Error, or Truth? Sabellius’ Brood

…the one God who revealed Himself in the Old Testament as Jehovah revealed himself in His Son, Jesus Christ. Thus Jesus Christ was and is God. In other words, Jesus is the one true God manifested in flesh, for in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (John 1:1-14; I Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9).

While fully God, Jesus was also fully man, possessing a full and true humanity. He was both God and man. Moreover, the Holy Spirit is God with us and in us. Thus God is manifested as Father in creation and as the Father of the Son, in the Son for our redemption, and as the Holy Spirit in our regeneration.

This is the doctrinal statement of a modern day movement that has its roots in the teaching of a man named Sabellius.  This teaching is closely related to Modalistic Monarchianism and Patripassianism. 

I will tell you up front that this teaching is considered heresy.  Your task is to tell me whether or not you agree and why.

Borrowed Light: Today in Blogworld 02/12

Ever heard of Rob Bell? What about NOOMA? Greg Gilbert reviews Bell's NOOMA videos. On the heels of Gilbert's review C.J. Mahaney gives us sound advice (based on Gilbert's excellent job) on reviewing things as well as protecting the gospel with humility. Man, I love C.J. Mahaney; but more than that I love his Jesus. You really need to read anything written by C.J., including his recent appeal.

Brian Thornton is continuing his discussion on the calling of God. Today he clearly and concisely shows that only the elect receive three callings of God. Disagree? Agree? Check it out.

Stephen Altrogge gives 7 Questions to Ask Your Friends. One of my favorite questions, of the 7, is this one: "Have you diligently pursued your wife/husband this week?"

John MacArthur attempts to teach us on the "unfathomable and yet unmistakable doctrine" of the Trinity, read it here.

Trevin Wax has a really good consideration on Evangelicalism's Blast from the Past.

Randy Alcorn considers the Longing for God and Joy of Augustine.

You've got to check this out (HT: Micah)