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Eternal Generation of the Son in Scripture and Theology

$149.00

The doctrine of the eternal generation of the Son is a central element of the classical doctrine of the Trinity. However, due to the Enlightenment rejection of medieval ontology, historical-critical exegesis, and heterodox views of eternity and time, the doctrine was cast aside by modernist theologians as so much metaphysical speculation. Even among otherwise conservative Protestants, confidence in the doctrine has significantly eroded as historicizing currents washed ashore. This course will attempt to retrieve the doctrine of eternal generation for today by considering (1) its scriptural basis, (2) its development in the history of theology, and (3) its contemporary retrieval versus Eternal Functional Subordination (EFS).

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The doctrine of the eternal generation of the Son is a central element of the classical doctrine of the Trinity. However, due to the Enlightenment rejection of medieval ontology, historical-critical exegesis, and heterodox views of eternity and time, the doctrine was cast aside by modernist theologians as so much metaphysical speculation. Even among otherwise conservative Protestants, confidence in the doctrine has significantly eroded as historicizing currents washed ashore. This course will attempt to retrieve the doctrine of eternal generation for today by considering (1) its scriptural basis, (2) its development in the history of theology, and (3) its contemporary retrieval versus Eternal Functional Subordination (EFS).

The doctrine of the eternal generation of the Son is a central element of the classical doctrine of the Trinity. However, due to the Enlightenment rejection of medieval ontology, historical-critical exegesis, and heterodox views of eternity and time, the doctrine was cast aside by modernist theologians as so much metaphysical speculation. Even among otherwise conservative Protestants, confidence in the doctrine has significantly eroded as historicizing currents washed ashore. This course will attempt to retrieve the doctrine of eternal generation for today by considering (1) its scriptural basis, (2) its development in the history of theology, and (3) its contemporary retrieval versus Eternal Functional Subordination (EFS).

Lectures

Microcourse | 9 hours

1. Introduction
1.1 Locating Eternal Generation within the Doctrine of the Trinity; Key Theological Terms
1.2 Characteristics of Eternal Generation
1.3 Importance of Eternal Generation; How the Enlightenment Destroyed Eternal Generation

2. Scriptural Basis, Part 1: Eternal Generation in the Johannine Literature
2.1 Monogenes in the New Testament and the Church Fathers
2.2 Monogenes: English Bible Tradition; Revisionist Arguments and Response
2.3 The Johannine Passages That Use Monogenes
2.4 The Johannine Passages That Use Monogenes, continued

3. Scriptural Basis, Part 2: Eternal Generation in Paul, Hebrews, and the Old Testament
3.1 Eternal Generation in Paul
3.2 Eternal Generation in Hebrews; Synthesis of John, Paul, and Hebrews
3.3 Eternal Generation in Psalm 2:7
3.4 Eternal Generation in Psalm 8

4. Development of the Doctrine of Eternal Generation in the History of Theology up to Aquinas
4.1 Eternal Generation before Nicea
4.2 Eternal Generation at Nicea (325) and the Struggle against Arianism
4.3 Consolidation of the Three in One; Christological Controversies; Augustine
4.4 Medieval Scholasticism

5. Development of the Doctrine of Eternal Generation in the History of Theology: Calvin and After
5.1 Calvin
5.2 Reformed Reception of Calvin's Doctrine of the Aseity of the Son
5.3 American Reformed Theologians; Our Attitude Toward the Nicene Tradition

6. Contemporary Debates and Discussions on Eternal Subordination of the Son
6.1 Trinity as Social Program; Grudem's Systematic Theology in 1994 and 2020
6.2 Critique of Grudem's Latest Position: Eternal Generation and Eternal Functional Subordination; Contemporary Retrieval
6.3 Course Conclusions