The Eternal Generation of the Son: Maintaining Orthodoxy in Trinitarian Theology
"Despite its prominent role in classic trinitarian orthodoxy, the eternal generation of the Son is routinely rejected by some evangelicals as unbiblical, speculative and philosophically problematic. In conversation with the great theologians of the church, Kevin Giles helps us understand the theological importance of eternal generation for the doctrine of the Trinity and presents a persuasive biblical and theological argument for why we, as evangelicals, should embrace this doctrine." (Keith E. Johnson, author of Rethinking the Trinity and Religious Pluralism: An Augustinian Assessment, guest professor of systematic theology, Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando))"Kevin Giles, who has established a reputation as an important voice in support of the Nicene faith and of the traditional doctrine of the Trinity, enhances that reputation in this book by trenchantly illustrating why those who today oppose the doctrine that the Son is eternally begotten of the Father end up in opposition both to the biblical witness and to the Nicene faith. Giles meticulously argues that those evangelicals today who reject this doctrine have unwittingly embraced the very Arian views they themselves oppose. This is a book that will challenge readers to understand Scripture and the historical development of trinitarian doctrine once again before embracing views that unwittingly undermine the Son’s true deity. For anyone interested in seeing the practical implications of sound trinitarian theology and Christology, this book is must reading." (Paul D. Molnar, professor of systematic theology, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, St. John's University, Queens, New York)"If the doctrine of the Trinity goes wrong, every other Christian doctrine will necessarily implode. The church fathers surely understood this. Yet within evangelical circles, a departure from classical trinitarian thought is discernible regarding the eternal generation of the Son. Kevin Giles has recognized this drift, analyzes it well and calls us back to a better way." (Christopher A. Hall, Ph.D., chancellor, Eastern University, and dean, Palmer Theological Seminary)"InThe Eternal Generation of the Son, Kevin Giles hits a home run in terms of defending the traditional, orthodox doctrine mentioned in its title. He does it in three ways: this doctrine is the only way reasonably to interpret Scripture; it is the consensual teaching of historic Christianity; it alone safeguards against the heresy of subordinationism of the Son. Game won; case closed. Let's move on." (Roger E. Olson, professor of theology, George W. Truett Theological Seminary)"Rejecting the biblicism at the root of problematic presentations of trinitarian doctrine among evangelical theologians, Kevin Giles mounts a vigorous defense of the Nicene teaching of the eternal generation of the Son. His book expounds with uncommon depth and lucidity both the biblical background and the traditional reception of the doctrine of the relation between the Father and the Son." (Hans Boersma, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia)"Kevin Giles has done the theological community a service with his detailed account of debates on the issue of the eternal generation of the Son by the Father. His work represents a fine example of a theological reading of Scripture drawing on the 'cloud of witnesses' throughout the ages to defend and explain this basic trinitarian doctrine." (Neil Ormerod, professor of theology, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, Australia)