The Current Trinitarian Civil War: Where Are We Now and Lessons Learned Along the Way

Photo Credit: Reformed Theological Seminary

In 2016 a theological firestorm erupted when Dr. Carl Trueman and friends posted an article by Dr. Liam Goligher titled, "Is it ok to teach complementarianism based on eternal subordination?   In this "Mortification of Spin" piece Goligher poured gas on a fire in hopes of lighting up Wayne Grudem and Bruce Ware's position concerning EFS (and by extension any other theologian who does not teach eternal generation and eternal procession).  This particular article included loaded charges with claims that Dr. Grudem and Dr. Ware are actually "reinventing the doctrine of God."  Liam went onto to say, "What we have is in fact a departure from biblical Christianity as expressed in our creeds and confessions. Out of that redefinition of God their teaching is being used to promote a new way of looking at human relationships which is more like Islam than Christianity; more concerned with control and governance than with understanding the nuances of the relationship of the Son with His Father in eternity on the one hand and how that differs from the roles they adopt in the economy of redemption on the other. They make this move by failing to distinguish between God as He is in Himself (ontology) and God as He is in Christ in outworking of the plan of redemption (economy). They are in turn doing great dishonor to Christ. They collapse the intra-Trinitarian life of God into the roles adopted by the persons to accomplish our redemption."  Now whether you are Baptist, Presbyterian, or Independent" them by fighting words."  In my judgement the shot heard round the (blogosphere) world started the Trinitarian Civil War of 2016. 

For many months a slew of blog articles, podcasts, and 'vlogs' weighed in on this hotly contested intramural debate.  As a non-celebrity, pastor-theologian I shared some initial thoughts and concerns with my congregation and friends (note here and here).  Personally, I sympathized with the theological formation that Dr. Trueman subscribes to as it seems consistent with the intent of the Nicene Creed.  In my understanding of church history the Nicene Creed's statement, "God from God and Light from Light" is a non technical way of highlighting eternal generation and eternal procession.

Dr. Mohler Echoes My Concerns Re: the Trinitarian Civil War

The Council of Nicea

Many evangelicals have been waiting for Dr. Al Mohler to share his theological perspective concerning the current Trinitarian Civil War.  In an article published this week Dr. Mohler defended Drs. Grudem/Ware/Burk's orthodoxy and integrity in no uncertain terms!

In Heresy and Humility: Lessons From a Current Controversy Dr. Mohler echoed the main concerns I raised in three videos over the past few weeks. In my video blogs I suggested that Dr. Trueman and Dr. Goligher were right in doctrine but off base in application/practice. Dr. William Varner (of the Master's College) and I also suggested that these attacks were another example of "Machen's Warrior Children." Sadly, my comments were blown off by a few well known bloggers (whom I respect).  I insisted that tone was not the only thing lacking in the initial hit pieces posted by the Mortification of Spin and the Housewife Theologian.

In my last video blog I encouraged the team at Mortification of Spin to make a public apology to Drs. Ware/Grudem. Because I am not a celebrity pastor my concerns were largely ignored.  As a first rate theologian and as a Seminary President Dr. Mohler's article has successfully reached a broad audience.  Thankfully, when Dr. Mohler speaks evangelical Christians listen.  

Dr. Mohler did not mince any words,

Applying Theological Triage to the Current Evangelical 'Civil War'

Pastoral implications of the current Trinitarian Civil War.  How should we apply theological triage to the current evangelical firestorm. What does it look like to be "right in doctrine but wrong in your application of those beliefs."  Are Carl Trueman and Liam Goligher setting a good example in this current debate?  Is there a better way forward?

Theological triage principles can be applied to whatever doctrinal controversy you are involved in so I think this will be of value to pastors and members alike.   I believe the issues highlighted in today's video are a neglected part of this ongoing "civil war" conversation.  

Evaluating the Trinitarian Civil War (video)

Evaluating the Trinitarian Civil War between Trueman/Goligher versus Wayne Grudem/Ware.  Is this recent attack yet another sad example of "Machen's Warrior Children?" Are these serious criticisms warranted; (is Dr. Ware "reinventing God")? If Trueman's position is theologically correct are his implications also valid?  Does Dr. Goligher owe Drs Grudem and Ware an apology?  Insights and links from John MacArthur and Will Varner.  Is Trueman swallowing a theological gnat here?  Should evangelicals continue to use Grudem's systematic theology text book?

Dr. Varner recommends, Dr. John Frame's Article on Machen's Warrior Children.  This is a Presbyterian critique of Presbyterianism.

See John MacArthur's,  Reexamining the Eternal Sonship of Christ.