Critique of the Historical Godhead [48 pages]
by K. Michael Errington rated at 1.0 (5 votes so far)
Many consider the configuration of the Trinity to have occurred in the Apostolic Age despite the word having never occurred inside the scriptures, much less any basic outline articulated by any of its authors. What is compelling is that any church historian with an ounce of integrity will recognize the basic configuration of the Central Doctrine to have developed over the course of centuries through ecumenical councils. More profound is the idea that eternal salvation rests on belief in this mysterious formula. The aim here is reduce the mysteriousness of the Central Doctrine’s development by uncovering decisions made by these ecumenical councils. History has a story to tell and if we look close enough more wonder should follow. There were 178 ecumenical councils between 263 and 431 A.D., yet the Catholic Church recognizes only 3 of these. The intention of this paper is to identify the historical development of the Central Doctrine and pinpoint the work that was overlooked at the Reformation.
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These books, written by people from diverse backgrounds, express the simple truth that God is one. Some of them are more scholary while others are more autobiographical. In addition, a few of them are available to read online. If you would like more in depth treatment of christian monotheism, these books are the next step to take. Note: if you know of other books, not listed here, please leave us feedback.
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First-Century Christians: One God
by Terry M. Ferrell [22:49]
rated at 1.6 (out of 6 votes)
There have been many centuries of Hellenistic constraints on Christianity, and many councils and creeds since the days of the early apostles. But exactly what did the early followers of Jesus believe? Though most "orthodox" Christians believe in a trinity, was that concept really taught and believed in the early church? What about the "Shema?" What about the simple unity of God? Is our basis of belief on the word of God, or has it been formulated throughout the history of the church? In today's message, we examine the one God of the Hebrew scriptures and what the early church professed about their God and his Son. Mark 12:28-34; Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; Isaiah 44:6; 2 Timothy 3:16