Trinity: Processions, Persons, and Relations with Glenn Butner
May 9, 2023
auto_awesome
In this episode, Caleb discusses the Trinity with Glenn Butner, a professor of theology and ethics at Sterling College. They explore the origins of the doctrine, the concepts of processions, relations of origin, and personal properties, and the arguments for eternal generation. They also discuss the importance of connecting theology and practical living, understanding the Trinity for apologetics, and recommend further study resources.
Understanding the concept of eternal generation and procession within the Trinity is crucial for a robust Trinitarian theology and has implications for the local church.
Incorporating Trinitarian language in benedictions and prayers can reinforce Trinitarian understanding within the congregation and have practical implications for church ministry.
Deep dives
Understanding the Trinity and its Application
This podcast episode explores the doctrine of the Trinity and its practical implications for the Christian life. It discusses the concept of Trinitarian dogmatics and how it can be applied to the Christian life within the local church. The guest speaker, Dr. Dylan Butler, shares his insights from his recent book on the topic. The conversation touches on the challenges of writing about the Trinity, the importance of understanding the doctrine in the context of other theological concepts, and the unique contribution of the book in the existing literature.
Exploring the Trinity: Eternal Generation and Procession
Another key topic discussed in this podcast episode is the concept of eternal generation and procession within the Trinity. Dr. Butler explains the significance of these terms and how they help distinguish the persons of the Trinity while preserving their consubstantiality. The conversation covers the arguments presented by pro-Nicenes against subordinationists and other opposing views. The importance of understanding these concepts for a robust Trinitarian theology and the implications for the local church are also discussed.
Using Analogy and Exegesis to Understand the Trinity
The podcast delves into how the concepts of analogy and exegesis can aid in understanding the Trinity. Analogical language is emphasized to convey the transcendence of God and the limitations of human language in describing the divine. The distinction between the economy of salvation and the ontological Trinity is explored, highlighting the need for careful interpretation of scripture to discern the different emphases. The conversation also addresses the divine simplicity and the challenge of reconciling the processions within the Trinity while upholding consubstantiality.
Applying Trinitarian Theology in Church Ministry
The final part of the podcast focuses on the practical implications of Trinitarian theology for church ministry. The importance of confession and catechesis, exegesis, and worship in communicating and reinforcing Trinitarian understanding within the congregation is highlighted. Examples are given, such as incorporating Trinitarian language in benedictions and prayers. The relevance of a solid Trinitarian foundation in addressing theological misunderstandings and impacting other areas of systematic theology, such as atonement, is also discussed.
In this episode Caleb discusses how Scripture speaks of the one divine essence subsisting equally and fully in the persons of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with Glenn Butner (PhD, Marquette University) professor of theology and ethics at Sterling College. Dr. Butner has recently written an extremely helpful book titled Trinitarian Dogmatics: Exploring the Grammar of the Christian Doctrine of God that aims to help Christians speak accurately, faithfully, and biblically about who God is and has revealed himself to be. Glenn's work also stresses how the church as historically spoken of and argued for the triunity of the God of Scripture. This episode will give listeners a taste of what they can expect from Dr. Butner's important work in trinitarian theology and hopefully answer so difficult questions many have surrounding this doctrine.
Resources:
Trinitarian Dogmatics: Exploring the Grammar of the Christian Doctrine of God by Glenn Butner https://a.co/d/1IEb1ER
The Son Who Learned Obedience: A Theological Case Against the Eternal Submission of the Son by Glenn Butner https://a.co/d/1IEb1ER
The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain https://a.co/d/eyo63me
The Biblical Trinity: Encountering the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Scripture by Brandon Smith https://a.co/d/aWuJR23
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode