In Cyril of Alexandria’s Commentary on the Gospel of John, he writes in his preface that we must interpret the Scriptures along the “lines of true understanding.” He says that the consequence of interpreting outside of these lines would be damage to the interpreter’s soul. Throughout his commentary, he shows the reader that this means … Read more
This paper examines the proto-Trinitarian assumptions embedded within Paul’s argument in Galatians 3:15-4:8. In this passage, Paul identifies Christ’s followers as the rightful heirs of the Abrahamic promises. By employing a creative interpretation of the designation σπερμα Αβραάμ, alongside a oneness motif and parallel structures, he establishes the basis for inheritance through affiliation with Christ. … Read more
The Council of Nicaea was convened to resolve the Arian controversy and establish orthodox Christian doctrine. Although Arians were anathematized and pushed out of the Roman Catholic Church, the heresy remained widespread across the region as it moved east and south. Over four centuries later, Arius would have his revenge on Nicene Trinitarianism through Muhammad, … Read more
The books of Joel and Zephaniah depict divine judgment on the Day of YHWH through rich metaphors that evoke destruction, cosmic upheaval, and purification (Joel 2:1–11; 2:28–32; Zeph 1:1–18) This study applies Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) to analyze how these metaphors function cognitively and theologically with special attention to how the metaphors frame the Day … Read more
In his magisterial “Search for the Christian Doctrine of God,” Richard Hanson said that Athanasius “cannot really explain why Christ should have died.” However, many scholars have pointed out Athanasius’ robust atonement theology. Following them, this paper aims to explore Athanasius’ doctrine of the atonement in “On the Incarnation,” thereby suggesting a new lens through … Read more
The Council of Nicaea not only marked a crucial moment in theology but also in politics. The role of Emperor Constantine in convening and attending the council represented the beginning of a 4th century rethinking of Christianity in relation to political power. Key 4th century Christian thinkers within the Latin and Greek speaking world, such … Read more
Against some who have argued for the erasure of sex distinctions in the new creation and others who have seen in the hope of bodily resurrection the promise of a different ontological order, this paper will argue that just as our embodied sex provides the true ground for gender identity in this age, so it … Read more
This paper will explore the positive and negative repercussions of the First Council of Nicaea’s decision to separate the annual Easter observance from the date of the Jewish Passover and Emperor Constantine’s publication of that decision. It will also offer practical suggestions for redeeming the historical-contextual gap between the two observances and for improving Jewish-Christian … Read more
The modern recovery and renewal of confessional Christianity in evangelicalism welcomes reflection on the construction of confessional standards and the ongoing import the process of their construction has for our relationship to these confessions. While many relate to creeds solely as rooted in and for the past, others today appeal to the creeds and confessions … Read more
The Nicene Creed is a fitting confession for those who accept Mark’s invitation to put their faith in God’s “beloved Son.” The “only begotten Son” of the Creed is an appropriate description of the “beloved Son” revealed through Mark’s narrative. The Creed, however, lacks one important characteristic of Mark’s “beloved Son.” The title “beloved Son”/“Son … Read more