I recently visited with my good friend, Matt Graham, on his podcast Rational Animal. Please check out his podcast for thoughtful and engaging theological and philosophical discussions.
Some key topics discussed were:
Is Arius saved? What beliefs bar one from salvation?
Are belief in the Trinity and Incarnation (as defined by Nicaea I and Constantinople 1) normatively required for salvation?
If so, where in the Bible do we find such requirements?
Protestant theologian (and former trinitarian) Dr. Steven Nemes claims that beliefs like the Trinity and Incarnation fall under theologoumenon (non-authoritative individual theological opinion).
In his book, Orthodoxy and Heresy, Dr. Nemes affirms the Protestant view that all theological beliefs are ultimately fallible opinions, as only the Bible is infallible. Furthermore, since all theology falls under the fallible opinion umbrella, salvation ought not depend on beliefs like the Trinity and Incarnation.
Therefore, (according to Dr. Nemes) the anathema’s pronounced at Nicaea I and Constantinople I regarding the Trinity overstep, as they place salvific penalties on those who do not accept them.
Moreover, since belief in the Trinity and Incarnation ultimately appeal to mystery, and therefore are unknowable, why make not believing them vital to determining one’s status as a Christian?
The Protestant Response:
How do Protestants counter Dr. Nemes’ claim by an appeal to scripture alone?
Thank you!
Read The Latin Right’s other writing here.
Please visit my Facebook page and IM your questions (and follow my page) or topics for articles you would like covered.
Also, please subscribe my YouTube page for updates on upcoming articles.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In