On Sunday 16th of August, at 5:15pm GMT (that's 12:15pm Eastern Time; 11:15am Central Time; 9:15am Pacific Standard Time), I am going to be engaging in a public debate with Islamic scholar Dr. Shabir Ally in London, England, on the question of "What is God Like -- Tawhid or Trinity?" The live-stream is embedded above. Be sure to tune in! See my previous debate on this subject … [Read more...]
Per Fillium: A Biblical Alternative to the Filioque Clause and a Via Media between Rome and Constantinople: Part 5 of 6
(Originally Presented at the 2014 Meeting of the Northeast Region of the Evangelical Society) Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 Systematic Support As I have established in my previous exegetical analysis. The mediatorial work of the Son is not exclusively a matter of salvation. However we see this development is not novel to my own interpretation. Calvin argues along similar … [Read more...]
Per Fillium: A Biblical Alternative to the Filioque Clause and a Via Media between Rome and Constantinople: Part 4 of 6
(Originally Presented at the 2014 Meeting of the Northeast Region of the Evangelical Society) Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Per Fillium - The Way Forward In the previous section, I established both exegetical and systematic objections to both the Double- and Single- procession views. Apart from a non-procession view, which I do not find to be tenable in the least, there may … [Read more...]
"What is God Like — Tawhid or Trinity?" Jonathan McLatchie vs. Abdurraheem Green
I recently did a debate on Unbelievable? on Premier Christian Radio, a show that airs every Saturday on British radio (also podcasted online), featuring debates between Christians and non-Christians. Last year on the show, I did a debate on whether Christianity is evidence-based, with British atheist Elliot George. The recording of that encounter can be found here. On Saturday … [Read more...]
Per Fillium: A Biblical Alternative to the Filioque Clause and a Via Media between Rome and Constantinople: Part 3 of 6
(Originally Presented at the 2014 Meeting of the Northeast Region of the Evangelical Society) Part 1 | Part 2 Systematic Objections A full discussion of my systematic objections would also involve an exposition of my Triadological commitments. As such, I shall be brief as many of my objections shall be illucidated, and I think resolved, in my constructive … [Read more...]
Neognosticism
A Facebook friend of mine (an old acquaintance from Bible College) commented on one of my posts the other day expressing the idea that Christianity was originally gnostic, that Paul was its only apostle, and that all his writings were rewritten by "literalists" during the time of Irenaeus (late 2nd Century). His original comments are below and my response follows. I would … [Read more...]
The Persistence of Gnosticism (Tolle Lege)
Gnosticism in its various forms has been remarkably persistent in the history of the church. Both the apostles Paul and John dealt with early forms of it in their epistles, and Irenaeus of Lyons critiqued it in Against Heresies. A number of surviving "Gnostic Gospels" date from the second through fourth centuries. As Justin Holcomb points out in his recent book Know the … [Read more...]
Per Fillium: A Biblical Alternative to the Filioque Clause and a Via Media between Rome and Constantinople: Part 2 of 6
(Originally Presented at the 2014 Meeting of the Northeast Region of the Evangelical Society) Part 1 The Objections As established, there is a long tradition regarding the Filioque Clause, and better theologians than I have mounted both defense and critique of the doctrine. Among these are Anselm of Canterbury,[22] Thomas Aquinas,[23] and Karl Barth.[24] By and … [Read more...]
EQUIPPED: Vol. 1, No. 3 – Evidence for the Resurrection
Vol. 1, No. 3 Evidence for the Resurrection "He was buried and He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" Ready for an adventure? When was the last time you prayed, "Lord, make me willing to go, to serve, to do your will"? Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, … [Read more...]
Per Fillium: A Biblical Alternative to the Filioque Clause and a Via Media between Rome and Constantinople: Part 1 of 6
(Originally Presented at the 2014 Meeting of the Northeast Region of the Evangelical Society) Opening Remarks and Thesis The goal of this paper is threefold. First, I will provide an overview of the historical development of the Filioque Clause and the ensuing controversy for the purpose of rooting today’s discussion within the historical context of the theological … [Read more...]