May 31, 2015
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Related Debates
Two 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
In February of 2024 James White and Trent Horn did two, back to back debates at First Lutheran Church in Houston. The first night was on sola scriptura, and the second on purgatory. It was the conjunction of these two debates that was most informative and useful. We invite our viewers to listen to both debates and compare the assertions concerning the "deposit of faith" and "apostolic tradition" in the first with the argumentation in defense of purgatory in the second. It is very enlightening!
First Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas