DEBATE: Is The Trinity Biblical & Coherent? Sijuwade vs. Ostler

From Inspiring Philosophy Academy

In this debate, Dr. Joshua Sijuwade and Blake Ostler tackle whether the Christian doctrine of the Trinity is biblical and logically coherent, beginning with the question of which version of "Trinity" is even under discussion. Ostler, a monarchical monotheist, argues that the Father alone is expressly identified as the one God in key New Testament passages, and that later creedal formulations such as eternal generation and homoousios are philosophical constructs not expressly taught in Scriptu...

Key Takeaways

  • Blake Ostler argues the Trinity as later defined (homoousios, eternal generation) isn't expressly taught anywhere in Scripture.
  • Ostler calls the nominal vs. predicative distinction a logical tool that no biblical writer had in mind.
  • He warns that stitching verses into doctrine treats the Bible like Lego blocks, ignoring its diverse, separate authors.
  • Ostler contends Aquinas's Trinity view faces incoherence via the indiscernibility of identicals.
  • Both speakers agree the Trinity's historical formulations need scrutiny, though the debate hinges on which version counts.

Who is mentioned in this episode?

5 people come up, including Joshua Sijuwade, Blake Ostler, Josh Blake.

Mentioned in this episode