The question is anachronistic, but Irenaeus makes four key judgments about God and Christ that both Nicaea and the New Testament do. In this narrow sense, Irenaeus has a Nicene view of the Trinity.
Thank you so much for writing this article. I was raised Oneness but have realized that the Trinity seems to make much more sense, despite being warned against it my whole life. This argument about the influence of Greek philosophy in the early church and creeds is one that comes up frequently in my circle, and something I have been trying to untangle as I wrestle with the Godhead. This was helpful. If you haven't already, I would absolutely love to read your thoughts on the Oneness view of God.
When you mention that some believe ... "Nicaea uses Greek philosophical concepts to explain the Trinity, which were unavailable to the apostles and Christians of the 100s" you're engaging an evangelical sensibility vs. traditioned protestants.
Would love to see more on the apostolic use of "ousia," "physis," and "hypostasis". It's all there. Or, the patristic exegesis behind Nicea. Irenaeus and Athansius lack intrinsic authority for evangelicals.
Thank you so much for writing this article. I was raised Oneness but have realized that the Trinity seems to make much more sense, despite being warned against it my whole life. This argument about the influence of Greek philosophy in the early church and creeds is one that comes up frequently in my circle, and something I have been trying to untangle as I wrestle with the Godhead. This was helpful. If you haven't already, I would absolutely love to read your thoughts on the Oneness view of God.
Great representation of Irenaeus' views on the Trinity. I have actually been reading Against Heresies for a article on Gnosticism. Great book.
When you mention that some believe ... "Nicaea uses Greek philosophical concepts to explain the Trinity, which were unavailable to the apostles and Christians of the 100s" you're engaging an evangelical sensibility vs. traditioned protestants.
Would love to see more on the apostolic use of "ousia," "physis," and "hypostasis". It's all there. Or, the patristic exegesis behind Nicea. Irenaeus and Athansius lack intrinsic authority for evangelicals.