Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1900 edition. Excerpt: ... evolution of trinitarianism chapter I athanasianism The New England doctrine of the Trinity is plainly passing through a critical phase in its history. That a rapprochement of some sort is quietly going on between so-called Trinitarians and socalled Unitarians is clear to any careful observer. Trinitarians are ready to declare themselves Unitarians in some good sense, and Unitarians are equally ready to declare themselves Trinitarians in some other good sense. Mr. Joseph Cook concludes an impassioned defense of what he calls the old trinitarian faith with a description of " God's Unitarianism," which of course is his own; while Dr. Bartol, when asked if God is in three persons, answers: "Yes, and in all persons." It is a sign of the times that the Nicene creed is enjoying a sort of revival. Trinitarians are rallying to it as the true centre of their position. Prof. A. V. G. Allen, in " The Continuity of Christian Thought," declares that "the question is not whether we shall return or ought to return to what is called Nicene theology; the fact is that the return has already begun." Uomoousios is once more the trinitarian watchword. The latest Congregational creed begins with it. Unitarians are equally in favor of it. "We are all Athanasians," exclaims Dr. Bartol. The old Channing Arianism, it seems, is out of date. Dr. Hedge asserts that the Nicene Council by its homoousian doctrine began " a new era in human thought," and claims that it contains the essential truth. Dr. J. H. Allen thinks the triumph of Nicene orthodoxy was providential, and "saved Christianity as a great social and reconstructive force." Where are we, and what next?1 Meanwhile it is in order to inquire what Athanasianism really is, and whether Athanasius himself would...
