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Classical trinitarianism (also sometimes pejoratively called "anti-social trinitarianism") is a term which has been used to refer to the model of the trinity formulated in early Christian creeds and classical theologians, such as Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. The term is often used in the context of the discussion concerning differing models of the trinity, as some theologians have proposed models of the trinity which do not distinguish the persons of the trinity with eternal generation and eternal procession as established at the Council of Nicaea, but instead by distinct attributes of volition and consciousness. This is particularly associated with forms of social trinitarianism.

Charecteristics

Classical trinitarianism is characterized by distinguishing the persons of the Trinity through their eternal relations of origin rather than by attributes such as distinct centers of volition and mind. According to this perspective, the Father is unbegotten, the Son is eternally begotten of the Father, and the Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father (and the Son, according to the Western tradition). In contrast, strong forms of social trinitarianism distinguishes the persons of the Trinity by their distinct centers of consciousness. This approach emphasizes the individuality and relational dynamics of each person, often comparing the Trinity to a community or a family.

Classical trinitarianism does not view the trinity as a model for human relationships or social theory, which is in contradiction to social trinitarianism, which sees the trinity as a community analogous to human society.

Debate

Classical trinitarianism has sometimes been pejoratively labeled as "anti-social" trinitarianism. Critics from the social trinitarian perspective often contend that classical trinitarianism verges on Modalism. Conversely, opponents of social trinitarianism argue that it risks leaning toward the heresy of tritheism. Social trinitarians generally argue that early Christian theologians such as Tertullian held a social view of the trinity, and thus is not a novelty.

Often debated in the discussion concerning classical trinitarianism is the doctrine of eternal generation. Those who teach the traditional doctrine of eternal generation have often used texts such as Proverbs 8:23, Psalm 2:7, Micah 5:2, John 5:26, John 1:18, 3:16, Colossians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Hebrews 1:3. However, the idea that these texts teach the doctrine of eternal generation has been disputed by its critics. The critics of the theory such as William Lane Craig have argued that it introduces subordinationism into the Godhead. A major issue in the debate is the translation of the Greek term monogenes, translated as 'only begotten'. Those who hold to eternal generation generally argue the word to involve an idea of derivation or begetting, while its critics have denied that the word has such connotations.

References

1. "Two Views on the Doctrine of the Trinity". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
2. Barrett, Matthew (2021-03-16). Simply Trinity: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit. Baker Books. ISBN 978-1-4934-2872-4.
3. ^ Barrett, Matthew (2024-10-01). On Classical Trinitarianism: Retrieving the Nicene Doctrine of the Triune God. InterVarsity Press. ISBN 978-1-5140-0035-9.
4. "What's the Difference Between Classical and Social, Relational…". Zondervan Academic. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
5. Peckham, John C. (2019-09-05). The Doctrine of God: Introducing the Big Questions. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-0-567-67785-3.
6. Johnson, Adam Lloyd (2023-03-14). Divine Love Theory: How the Trinity is the Source and Foundation of Morality. Kregel Publications. ISBN 978-0-8254-7787-4.
7. Barrett, Matthew (2021). Simply Trinity: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books. ISBN 9781540900074.
8. Bird, Micheal F.; Harrower, Scott (2019-04-30). Trinity Without Hierarchy: Reclaiming Nicene Orthodoxy in Evangelical Theology. Kregel Academic. ISBN 978-0-8254-4462-3.
9. "Two Views on the Doctrine of the Trinity". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
10. ^ "A Formulation and Defense of the Doctrine of the Trinity | Reasonable Faith". www.reasonablefaith.org. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
11. Barrett, Matthew (2021-03-16). Simply Trinity: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit. Baker Books. ISBN 978-1-4934-2872-4.
12. ^ Giles, Kevin (2012-05-07). The Eternal Generation of the Son: Maintaining Orthodoxy in Trinitarian Theology. InterVarsity Press. ISBN 978-0-8308-3965-0.
13. "Proverbs 8:23, the Eternal Generation of the Son and the History of Reformed Exegesis". reformation21.org. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
14. "What is the Doctrine of Eternal Generation?". Phoenix Seminary. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
15. Sanders, Fred; Swain, Scott R. (2017-11-21). Retrieving Eternal Generation. Zondervan Academic. ISBN 978-0-310-53788-5.
16. "Is God the Son Begotten in His Divine Nature? | Reasonable Faith". reasonablefaith.org. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

• Trinitarianism
• Ancient Christian controversies
• Attributes of God in Christian theology
• Christian terminology