Picturing Theology

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P i c t u r i n g T h e o l o g y

God’s Three-In-Oneness: The Trinity (continued)

b. John 14.16,26 c. John 16.13-15 d. John 20.21-22 6. The assertion of Jesus’ oneness with the Father

a. John 1.1-18 b. John 10.30 c. John 14.9 d. John 17.21

II. Historical Models and Arguments for the Trinity (Erickson, p. 101)

A. The “Economic” View of the Trinity (Hippolytus and Tertullian) 1. No attempt to explore the eternal relations among the three members of the Trinity 2. Focus on creation and redemption: Son and Spirit are not the Father, but are inseparably with him in his eternal being

3. Analogy: the mental functions of a human being B. Dynamic Monarchianism (Late 2nd and 3rd centuries)

Monarchianism = “sole sovereignty” (stress both the uniqueness and unity of God); both views of monarchianism are seeking to preserve the idea of God’s oneness and unity 1. Originator: Theodotus 2. God was present in the life of the man, Jesus of Nazareth. 3. A working force upon, in, or through Jesus , but no real presence of God within Jesus 4. Before his baptism, Jesus was simply an ordinary (albeit virtuous) man, cf. Matt. 3.16-17.