Learning Theology Essay

In scholarship theology with the Church dons, Christopher Hall discusses the doctrinal beliefs of the previous(predicate) Christian leaders small-arm Christianity was in its fledgling state of development. Much of what is discussed by hill in his book is the archetype for what the beliefs on the overt will be throughout the performs history. The topics in agglomerates book argon important because the church service perplexs findings concern these essences establishes the churchs beliefs on these doctrinal topics. mounds access code in his book is to take a pendent that was highly contested in the life of the aboriginal church and espouse one or two of the major(ip) leading authorities on the subject from the cartridge clip period. A benefit to facial expression at the topic this way shows what the with child(p) thought of the day was and if it still relates to Christians today. The archetypal major head that the book addresses is to mark the attributes of id ol. mound looks at the various aspects of graven image the Father, Son and Blessed animation. Within discussing the split of the consecrated trine, cumulation shows the various depending the early church had concerning the tether, what for each one of their roles ar, and discusses how each of the cardinal had par together without either existence subordinate to a nonher.The second stem turn address by mound is that of idols interaction with hu whiles. hummock condones the teachings concerning homosexuals sin and how the church fathers unsounded graven images forgiveness toward piece of music. Hill in any case speaks of piece as organism instilled with idols beneficialness. Mans natural instinct is not exercise set on doing what is inherently good, but it is deep d bear deitys instilled grace that Gods best for universe is mail serviced within himself (Hill, 130). Hill also writes in discussion of Gods thrift to gentlemans gentleman as being loving , original and wise.The third theme Hill discusses atomic number 18 those things that are directly relatable to Christians in their congresss with God. These things consist of the Christians relation to the scriptures, the apostolic founded church, and a Christians resurrected body and eternal life. Hill also discusses the early church fathers apologetics to the scriptures authority and how the scriptures were His holy gift given through His entire knowledge (Hill, 209). Hill also discusses the differing roles of the church and what the members communal roles are and the differing thoughts on discipline. ane of the most important topics discussed by Hill is that of the featureistics of the Holy spirit. The discussion that was taking place during the fourth century was what is the Holy tint and what role does it play in the character of God? Many believed that the tierce persons of God were not triumvirate but actually three different Gods qualification Christianity polythe istic. Basil the vasts writings on the subject is the focal point of Hills discussion. Basils writings addressed the variable confusions that surrounded the Holy Spirit.The topics Hill highlights from Basil is that of the Holy Spirits equality with the Father and the Son. One point that Hill singles out which gives credence to a Holy Trinity is that the disputation for differing levels of big businessman in the Holy Trinity is not arguable. Hill contends that people piece of assnot comprehend the kind between the three because they all three transient time and age, thus making it impossible for man to give point to one over an new(prenominal) (Hill, 105). This is keen-witted argument because if something transcends time and age, does another being transcend time and space more(prenominal)? To have this bank note is not a more or less argument but a yes or no argument in defining a deitys self to which Hill discusses well.Another positive from Hills book is the explanation o f the Holy Spirit and the description of the divine community that is the Holy Trinity. If the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not three different gods, what is the nominate of their being three separate beings? Hill examines this by giving each of the three different roles in the actions of the world. Hill defines the Father as the creator, the Son and the initiator, and the Holy Spirit as the perfecter (Hill, 115).This understanding of the Holy Trinity shows how the three are not separate but how each are one with different roles in dealings with man. Hill also explains that neither entity usurps the others tasks, but remain scattered in their roles showing that neither is schoolmaster to the other entities. This is a useful distinction because it helps understand the functioning of the Holy Trinity and how it relates to man. When those tasks are known man has a better appreciation for each vocalism of the Holy Trinity and honor can be given to the each branch of the deity i ncluding the Holy Spirit (Hill, 118).The theme of mans relation to God is another well outlined discussion. Hill addresses the subject of mans sins in a way that explains how it was problematic for the church fathers. Following the writing of Irenaeus, Hill discusses the issue of mans goodness. The discussion during the time of Irenaeus was whether man was naturally good or was goodness implanted in man by God? Hills conclusion eventually is mans sin nature is prevalent ahead his conversion and after his conversion God bestows a sense of goodness through His love in man. Gods redemptive spirit is given to man and reflected through the actions of man (Hill, 130).Hills explanation that the church fathers did not think man naturally good is crystal clear because if man is naturally good so their is no purpose for salvation. Yet while it is said human nature is without good, man is still given a excerpt and sometimes makes the chaste decision. A hold amount of time was given to ex plain how God allows man to make his own choices. Hill says that God gives the choice to man to decide but does not full expound on why man sometimes goes against his nature to make moral decisions.In all, Hill does a good job on explaining the church fathers thinking concerning the formation of early church doctrine. His description of their writings helps the lecturer understand the issues that spurred their theology and the content of their messages. acquirement Theology with the Church Fathers gives an good union of how Christian beliefs came to formation and who the writers were that God utilize to frame early Christianitys doctrine.BibliographyHill, Christopher. Learning Theology with the Church Fathers. Downers Grove intravenous pyelogram Academy, 2002.