The Rise and Fall of the Complementarian Doctrine of the Trinity


Book Description

Since the late 1970s complementarian theologians have been arguing that the divine three persons in the Trinity are ordered hierarchically, and that this is the ground for the hierarchical ordering of the sexes. Suddenly and unexpectedly in June 2016 a number of complementarian theologians of confessional Reformed convictions came out and said that to so construe the Trinity is "heresy"; it is a denial of what the creeds and confessions of the church rule is the teaching of Scripture. A civil war among complementarians followed and in a very short time those arguing for hierarchical ordering in the Trinity capitulated. This book tells the story.




Arius on Carillon Avenue


Book Description

In this book and its companion volume, The Subordinate Substitute, Peter Carnley unpicks logical knots and entanglements of argument found today in contemporary expressions of belief in the “eternal functional submissiveness” of the Son to the Father. “Trinitarian subordinationism” and “complementarianism” is characteristically found, along with associated conservative evangelical beliefs in the subordination of women to men, and the theology of redemption known as the “penal substitutionary theory” of the atonement. This theological package is energetically promoted amongst conservative evangelical Christians—most notably members of the Southern Baptist Church, and Presbyterians of the Westminster Tradition in the United States and Britain, and very significantly, amongst conservatively minded Anglicans of the Diocese of Sydney and elsewhere across Australia. All the while the argument of this book is driven by the question of whether this popular phenomenon of contemporary evangelical Christianity is fairly and legitimately categorized as a modern form of the ancient heresy of Arianism.




On Classical Trinitarianism


Book Description

Motivated by the longstanding need to retrieve the classical doctrine of the Trinity, theologian Matthew Barrett brings together over forty Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox scholars in one ecumenical volume, demonstrating that Nicene orthodoxy can endure in the modern world and unite the church catholic.




Eternal Submission


Book Description

Christians currently agree that Jesus was submissive to God the Father during his incarnation and time on earth leading to the cross. The issue at hand is whether or not Jesus the Son is eternally submissive or subordinate to the Father in terms of their relations. On one side of the debate are those who say that the Son is only subordinate in authority during his earthly ministry but is coequal both ontologically and relationally with the Father eternally. On the other side are those who claim that the Son's obedience and submission during his earthly ministry demonstrate an eternal, voluntary submission to the Father so that the Son is always subordinate relationally while remaining fully equal with the Father ontologically. This book examines the eternal submission of the Son from both biblical and theological perspectives. The author surveys some of the recent trinitarian debate and engages with critics of eternal submission before setting out to provide biblical and theological support for the doctrine. The implications of this debate for theology proper and gender relationships in the church and home are also addressed. Whether you are new to the topic or a seasoned reader of the theological debate, this book will be a helpful resource.




The Ultimate Reformation


Book Description

Why don’t pastors ever talk about the degrading treatment of women in Scripture? Why would God have a different definition of adultery for a man than a woman in the Old Testament? Since the virgin birth is a core tenet of the Christian faith, why do the Gospels trace Christ’s ancestry through Joseph rather than Mary? These and other questions are posed by Pauline Beer as she traces her journey to find dignity in light of God’s apparent tolerance for female degradation. After years of questioning divine justice and searching for answers, she presents a comprehensive look at a male-centered social system that has shaped history, Bible translations, and Christian theology. As she explores the sexual and religious dynamics of patriarchy, Beer reveals how gender imbalance has skewed our moral compass, restrained the free-flowing power of the Holy Spirit, and impeded our understanding of the gospel. Her journey ultimately leads to a vision of hope for a reformation that will equip the church to address people’s deepest needs and reveal the gospel in a glorious, new light. “Thoroughly relatable and biblically insightful, the Ultimate Reformation unmasks the manifold ways Scripture and human flourishing are undermined by male authority portrayed as God’s ideal. Author Pauline Beer leaves no stone unturned in exposing Christian patriarchy as the ultimate heresy.” -Mimi Haddad, PhD., President of CBE International “The Ultimate Reformation by Pauline R. Beer is a powerful, eye-opening read that dives deep into the traditional patriarchal attitudes in Christianity and how they shape our views on gender. Beer doesn't hold back – she's calling out the need for a major overhaul in how we interpret the Bible, pushing for a perspective that respects and values everyone, regardless of gender. This book challenged me and the personal biases I have brought into interpreting Scripture. ... It's not just a critique; it's a call to action for anyone who believes it's time for a change.” -Mark Wilson, Lead Pastor of Hope Missionary Church, Bluffton, Indiana




The Son Who Learned Obedience


Book Description

This book offers a fresh perspective on the ongoing evangelical debate concerning whether the Son eternally submits to the Father. Beginning with the pro-Nicene account of will being a property of the single divine nature, Glenn Butner explores how language of eternal submission requires a modification of the classical theology of the divine will. This modification has problematic consequences for Christology, various atonement theories, and the doctrine of God, because as historically developed these doctrines shared the pro-Nicene assumption of a single divine will. This new angle on an old debate challenges the reader to move beyond the inaccurate characterization of views on eternal submission as "Arian" or "feminist" toward a more accurate understanding of the real theological issues at stake.




The Subordinate Substitute


Book Description

In this book Peter Carnley examines the logical connection between the doctrine of the Trinity and the doctrine of redemption. In the companion volume to this, Arius on Carillon Avenue, contemporary expressions of belief in the "eternal functional subordination" of the Son to the Father were carefully discussed and found wanting when measured against the norms of orthodox trinitarian belief. This book examines the repercussions of this defective "trinitarian subordinationism" in relation to recent attempts to defend the "penal substitutionary theory" of the Atonement, which in turn is also found to fall short of trinitarian norms. As an alternative a less theoretical and speculative "incorporative" or "participative" theology of redemption is proposed.




The Doctrine of God


Book Description

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




Evangelical Theology, Second Edition


Book Description

Gospel-Centered Theology for Today Evangelical Theology, Second Edition helps today's readers understand and practice the doctrines of the Christian faith by presenting a gospel-centered theology that is accessible, rigorous, and balanced. According author Michael Bird the gospel is the fulcrum of Christian doctrine; the gospel is where God meets us and where we introduce the world to God. And as such, an authentically evangelical theology is the working out of the gospel in the various doctrines of Christian theology. The text helps readers learn the essentials of Christian theology through several key features, including: A "What to Take Home" section at end of every part that gives readers a run-down on all the important things they need to know. Tables, sidebars, and questions for discussion to help reinforce key ideas and concepts A "Comic Belief" section, since reading theology can often be dry and cerebral, so that readers enjoy their learning experience through some theological humor added for good measure. Now in its second edition, Evangelical Theology has proven itself in classrooms around the world as a resource that helps readers not only understand the vital doctrines of Christian theology but one that shows them how the gospel should shape how they think, pray, preach, teach, and minister in the world.




Deconstructing Evangelicalism


Book Description

"This book is electric! Hübner goes about Deconstructing Evangelicalism with the skills available only to someone formerly embedded in the apologetics-oriented, take-no-prisoners, Calvinist-Piperian-Brownian conservative evangelical subculture. Brilliant. Learned. Passionate. Creative. Angry. Hopeful? Maybe. You must read it for yourself and find out. I will be studying this book for a long time to come." -DAVID GUSHEE Past President, American Academy of Religion and Distinguished University Professor of Ethics, Mercer University "This book is special: at once incendiary and charming, you are invited into the world of Christian fundamentalism, in all of its glory and complexities and traumatic realities. This world is a crazy place, filled with all of the political zealotry, casual sex(ism), and apocalyptic young-earth creationism one could desire. Hübner's story is a dynamic, sobering testament to that reality. From the depths of his days as an Internet apologist to his interdisciplinary career as a professor, we see the impact of religious fundamentalism on heart, mind, and body. For those who have walked through the valley of the shadow of fear, may you be filled with curiosity and joy at the sight of another theologian on the journey. From one sojourner to another, I am happy to commend to you the work of my colleague and dear friend." -NICHOLAS RUDOLPH QUIENT Associate Pastor, The First Baptist Church of Redlands Co-Host of the Sinnergists Podcast and Author of The Perfection of Our Faithful Wills "Many of Jamin's experiences mirror my own, and I am grateful we were friends while surviving as faculty at evangelical "liberal arts colleges." Reading this book has once again encouraged me, and given me a hopeful way forward, as he always has as a friend. His theological nuance and understanding highlights why evangelicalism is, in many ways, so superficial, and it will encourage anyone that their own deconstruction can lead to a stronger, more robust, and more inclusive faith in God. I will be passing along his book to my friends who come to me for help as they struggle with asking questions of who God really is." -KRISTY WHALEY PhD Theology (Candidate), University of Glasgow, Former Theology Faculty, Colorado Christian University