A Definitive Look At Oneness Theology

A Definitive Look at Oneness Theology: In the Light of Biblical Trinitarianism (4th ed.) critically examines the claims of Oneness unitarian theology in light of biblical exegesis. Specifically, this book clearly shows that the entire content of biblical revelation reveals that the one true God is triune existing in three distinct persons--the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Further, the triune nature of God has been implicitly and explicitly affirmed by the early church, important Ecumenical Councils (and their resulting Creeds), and contemporary conservative biblical scholarship. Oneness theology rejects the biblical doctrine of the Trinity erroneously assuming a unitarian view of God--namely, a one person deity whose name is "Jesus." Hence, it teaches that Jesus is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Oneness advocates then see the titles "Father," Son," and "Holy Spirit" as mere names or roles that Jesus manifests and not as distinct persons. They embrace the notion that "Son" represents the humanity of Jesus while "Father" (and Holy Spirit) represents the deity of Jesus, thus denying the unipersonality, deity, and preexistence of the Son, Jesus Christ. This view sharply opposes the biblical position that the Son had/shared glory "with" the Father "before the world was" (John 17:5). Since, the biblical presentation of the preexistence of the Son (esp. as Creator) is the Achilles' heel of Oneness doctrine, this book devotes the needed space and attention to the exegesis of key passages (such as Gen. 19:24; John 1:1-18; 17:5; Col. 1:16-17; Phil. 2:6-11; and the prologue of Hebrews), which positively affirms biblical Trinitarianism. On this point alone, the Oneness position is shown biblically false.

This book critically examines the claims of Oneness theology in light of biblical exegesis. Specifically, it affirms the biblical presentation of God existing as three distinct coequal, coeternal, and coexistent Persons or Selves.

A Definitive Look at Oneness Theology: In the Light of Biblical Trinitarianism (4th ed.) critically examines the claims of Oneness unitarian theology in light of biblical exegesis. Specifically, this book clearly shows that the entire content of biblical revelation reveals that the one true God is triune existing in three distinct persons-the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Further, the triune nature of God has been implicitly and explicitly affirmed by the early church, important Ecumenical Councils (and their resulting Creeds), and contemporary conservative biblical scholarship. Oneness theology rejects the biblical doctrine of the Trinity erroneously assuming a unitarian view of God-namely, a one person deity whose name is "Jesus." Hence, it teaches that Jesus is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Oneness advocates then see the titles "Father," Son," and "Holy Spirit" as mere names or roles that Jesus manifests and not as distinct persons. They embrace the notion that "Son" represents the humanity of Jesus while "Father" (and Holy Spirit) represents the deity of Jesus, thus denying the unipersonality, deity, and preexistence of the Son, Jesus Christ. This view sharply opposes the biblical position that the Son had/shared glory "with" the Father "before the world was" (John 17:5). Since, the biblical presentation of the preexistence of the Son (esp. as Creator) is the Achilles' heel of Oneness doctrine, this book devotes the needed space and attention to the exegesis of key passages (such as Gen. 19:24; John 1:1-18; 17:5; Col. 1:16-17; Phil. 2:6-11; and the prologue of Hebrews), which positively affirms biblical Trinitarianism. On this point alone, the Oneness position is shown biblically false.

What's special about Oneness Pentecostals? In this penetrating analysis of Oneness theology and practice, Gregory Boyd reveals the experience of four years of personal involvement in a Oneness church. Although Oneness Pentecostals' belief in Christ's deity establishes some common ground with other Christians, their aggressive denial of the Trinity has nonetheless fostered their indisputably sub-Christian ideas about God's character, about salvation, and about Christian living.

Oneness Pentecostalism constitutes one of the world's largest non-trinitarian expressions of Christianity. While many studies have been written to provide a critique of other heterodox Christian groups (e.g., Jehovah's Witnesses, the LDS Church), there is a general lack of careful scholarship examining the theological claims of Oneness Pentecostals. Now revised, updated, and expanded, Against Oneness Pentecostalism (3rd Edition) is a thoroughly researched critique of Oneness Pentecostalism. With scholarly precision, Michael Burgos has provided an incisive evaluation of Oneness exegesis and theology while accurately representing the teachings of Oneness Pentecostals. "Michael Burgos has produced a brilliant blend of systematic theology and biblical exegesis with a detailed and thorough discussion of the main passages at the center of the dispute between Oneness Pentecostalism and traditional trinitarianism. He argues throughout for certain central elements of trinitarianism, in particular, the eternality of the Son of God and the eternal co-existence of the Father and Son with a focus on the Son's activity in creation. He ably interacts with technical issues including the original languages, Greek grammar, and textual criticism and cogently demonstrates that Oneness Pentecostalism is deeply flawed in its interpretation of Scripture and its understanding of God. Highly recommended for those interested in Oneness Pentecostalism and the biblical teaching regarding Theology Proper and Christology." Alexander E. Stewart, Ph.D. Academic Dean and Associate Professor of New Testament Language and Literature at Tyndale Theological Seminary "Burgos has clearly laid out the biblical case against Oneness unitarianism." Edward L. Dalcour, M.Apol., Ph.D. President, Department of Christian Defense Faculty of Theology, North-West University Author of a Definitive Look at Oneness Theology "Bad and destructive theology often grows 'in the dark,' particularly when it is not taken seriously among scholars. This has often been the case for Oneness doctrines which thrive on the lack of attention from serious scholarship. In this book, Michael Burgos has reversed that trend, deconstructing Oneness ideology through careful critique. Students on either side of this debate should engage this material!" Joshua Rice, Ph.D. Professor of New Testament, Pentecostal Theological Seminary "In the last several decades there have only been a handful of books written to directly respond to Oneness Pentecostalism. Burgos has added his voice to these works and made a valuable contribution after years of research. Because of both its content and tone, this book deserves the attention of those seeking a scholarly treatment of Oneness Pentecostalism on the specific exegetical issues (and other topics now covered in the appendices) that Burgos discusses. It also demands the attention of, and a response from, Oneness Pentecostal scholars. This is a fine example of what a pastor-scholar can accomplish." Skylar D. McManus, M.T.S. A Former Oneness Pentecostal This work is a valuable contribution to the small body of works that focus on Oneness theology. I wish it had been available thirty years ago when I was searching for solid answers to these central theological questions." Mark McNeil, M.A. A Former Oneness Pentecostal Adjunct Professor of Theology, St. Thomas University

Unlike Jehovah's Witnesses, who deny the Trinity by demoting Jesus to a mere man, the "Jesus Only" churches deny the Trinity by claiming that there is only one God, and that Jesus is the Father and the Holy Spirit. "Jesus Only" churches not only require baptism for salvation, but also stipulate that it must be baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ only, and not in the name of the Father, the son, and the Holy Spirit. Thus, these churches distort the gospel and the historic, orthodox understanding of Jesus. Why this series? This is an age when countless groups and movements, old and new, mark the religious landscape in our culture, leaving many people confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because you may not have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, these books provide essential and reliable information and insights for their spiritual journeys. The second wave of books in this series addresses a broad range of spiritual beliefs, from non-Trinitarian Christian sects to witchcraft and neo-paganism to classic non-Christian religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. All books but the summary volume, Truth and Error, contain five sections: -A concise introduction to the group being surveyed -An overview of the group’s theology — in its own words -Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group -A bibliography with sources for further study -A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group -Truth and Error, the last book in the series, consists of parallel doctrinal charts compiled from all the other volumes. Three distinctives make this series especially useful to readers: -Information is carefully distilled to bring out truly essential points, rather than requiring readers to sift their way through a sea of secondary details. -Information is presented in a clear, easy-to-follow outline form with “menu bar” running heads. This format greatly assists the reader in quickly locating topics and details of interest. -Each book meets the needs and skill levels of both nontechnical and technical readers, providing an elementary level of refutation and progressing to a more advanced level using arguments based on the biblical text. The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help readers to discern truth from falsehood.

Trinity or Oneness. Which belief is right? Does the average Christian truly understand the basis of their own beliefs regarding the makeup of the Godhead, or do they simply hang onto a handful of key platitudes and talking points that have been handed down by their pastor? Other than a few memorized Scriptures that seem to support their particular doctrine of the Godhead, many Christians don't have a firm grasp of scriptural evidence that truly supports the cornerstone of their most basic beliefs.A solid foundation of belief is desperately needed because these two doctrines are at extreme odds with each other. Proponents from both sides have been known to proclaim that the other side cannot be saved due to their beliefs in the Godhead. Other than an agreement that our God is also the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, there is little other accord between these two opposing theological camps.This book presents many of the typical arguments from both doctrines, and puts them together, in a debate-like format. This way, both Oneness believers, and Trinitarians alike, will be able to better understand the basis of their own positions. At the same time, they will come away with a better understanding of the positions presented by the other side. Hopefully, if they are able to lay their biases to the side, they'll be able to make an informed decision as to which side has the best scriptural support and logic.

Moving beyond the modern reticence to provide robust biblical justification for the doctrine of the Trinity, Our God is Triune is a thoroughgoing defense of the very foundation of the Christian faith. The authors have provided a multidisciplinary consideration of the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and the doctrine of the incarnation in light of heresies both ancient and modern. While academic in approach, Our God is Triune provides an accessible array of subject material dealing with the nature and identity of God.