Does John 1 Teach the Trinity?
October 17, 2025
"John 1 is not Trinitarian"
TopicTwo renowned theologians go head-to-head in a rigorous, respectful debate on one of the most discussed passages in Scripture—**John 1:1–18**.
📖 **Thesis:** *"John 1 is not Trinitarian."*
📖 **Debate Format**
* Opening Statements (30 min each)
* Rebuttals (10 min each)
* Cross-Examination (15 min each)
* Audience Q&A (15 min)
* Closing Statements (5 min each)
**Highlights:**
* Historical development of Trinitarian doctrine
* The Greek grammar of *John 1:1* ("In the beginning was the Word…")
* The meaning of "the Word was God"
* Can the Bible teach the Trinity without the word "Trinity"?
* Is the Word an eternal divine person, or God's own wisdom personified?
Taking the **affirmative**, **Dr. Dale Tuggy** (Unitarian Christian Alliance) argues that John's prologue should be read through a first-century lens, without importing later Trinitarian concepts.
Taking the **negative**, **Dr. James White** (Alpha & Omega Ministries) contends that the Greek text itself affirms the eternal deity of Christ and that the doctrine of the Trinity is rooted in Scripture, not post-biblical development.
Dr. White defends the classical Trinitarian understanding that "the Word was God," while Dr. Tuggy argues from a Unitarian perspective that *John 1* does not teach a tri-personal God. Together, they explore Greek grammar, early church history, philosophy of time, and biblical theology — offering deep insights into how Christians have read this passage for centuries.
💬 **Moderator:** Jeremiah Nortier (*The Apologetic Dog*)
📍 Hosted by: Covenant Reformed Baptist Church
📅 Dr. White's 200th moderated public debate
CategoryIslam
Sourcesermonaudio
Duration2h 27m