08.18.06
The Trinity, Calvinism and a Basketfull of Theologians
I am currently reading “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” by Bruce Ware. Dr. Ware is a New Testament theologian at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) and is considered an expert, as much as one can be, on the doctrine of the Trinity. I started this book with high expectations for two main reasons: (1) I have read works by Dr. Ware before and I have great respect for him as a theologian and a write, (2) I was recommended the work by Chris who is my chief theological source and Adam who is preparing to have Dr. Ware as a professor at SBTS.
In no way have I been disapointed by this book. It is both enlightening, insightful, and humbling. I was meaning to post quotes from the book earlier but I soon realized that I would end up quoting almost the entire book and found it easier to give a universal recommendation here.
The main reason I am posting though is actually a review for Dr. Ware’s book on the back cover by Dr. Paige Patterson. Dr. Patterson is currently President of Soutwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and had twice served as the President of the Souther Baptist Convention. In Dr. Patterson’s review of “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” he mentions that often times a study of theology can feel irrevalent but that Dr. Ware’s writing make a study of theology both relevant and applicable (I am paraphrasing).
I can’t help but wonder if Dr. Patterson feels that an in-depth study of theology can often times feel non-applicable to the lay Christian because he so adamently denies the doctrines of grace outlined in the five points of Calvinism. I personally love to discuss and study theology and find it very edifying and I believe I enjoy the noble endeavor so much because I approach it from a perspective of theology that grants God the glory in salvation, sanctification, and glorification.
Sure, as long as one’s theology holds that they choose to recieve salvation and maintain their salvation instead of steadfastly holding to the biblical truth that we are totally depraved and dependent of God for revelation of His glory, our faith and continual santification and persevereance then any study of theology would by irrevalent as it does not but draw attention away from God. Unless we are seeking to maintain a theological base that sets man in a position completely dependent of God for everthing including faith and perseverance thereof, then a pursuit of theological study is worthless as it only sets man on a pedestal and discourages the believer to lead them to believe that they must carry some (or all) of the burden of attaining and sustaining their faith.
In a recent discussion, Dr. Al Mohler, the President of SBTS, discussed this issue with Dr. Patterson and outlined the basis and need for a Reformed theological stance based on biblical thruths. Given that Dr. Mohler was the junior theologican to Dr. Patterson and that they are both SBCers, I don’t believe that he was as assertive in defening Reformed theology as Dr. Patterson was defending against it. None the less, I am glad that the SBC maintains a Reformed sect of believers and that SBTS has led the way in training Reformed Baptists to enter into ministry with doctrines that build an overall theology that seeks to ultimately glorify God.
NOTE: I have the upmost respect for Dr. Paige Patterson for the work he did to lead a conservative resurgence in the 1980s and ’90s to lead the SBC back to its conservative roots founded in scripture. I do, though, heartily disagree with him on the matter of Reformed theology and has expressed those views here.