theology

Doctrinal studies addressing key themes in Christian belief through Scripture and sound exegesis.

Novatian & the Punctuation of John 1:3-4 Members Public

Here I will be referencing the writing of 3rd century apologist Novation concerning his exegesis of John 1:1-4. I do so in order to prove that this blessed theologian proclaimed that the Son is eternally begotten, not made, since he is beyond all time and all age, being an

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
trinityjesus-christbible-study

Early Church & the Punctuation of John 1:3-4 Members Public

I cite a slew of ante-Nicene fathers, apologists and/or theologians in regards to the way they explained and punctuated John 1:3-4. The references will prove that none of them understood or interpreted these verses to mean that Christ as the Word was creature whom God brought into being.

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historyjesus-christtrinity

Muhammad’s Bribing People to Be/Remain Muslims Members Public

The Quran states that part of the money given in charity is to go towards enticing individuals to become Muslims. In other words, Allah sanctions Muslims to buy off or bribe non-Muslims to embrace Islam: As-Sadaqat (here it means Zakat) are only for the Fuqara’ (poor), and Al-Masakin (the poor)

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
islamquranallah

Talmud, Christian Writings & the Name Members Public

The Talmud contains an interesting discussion concerning what should be done to the scrolls of heretics such as Christians, which contain God’s names. All emphasis will be mine. תָּא שְׁמַע: הַגִּילְיוֹנִין וְסִפְרֵי מִינִין אֵין

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
judaismchristianitygod

No Sola Fide in the Early Church Members Public

I cite what the late renowned Protestant scholar Philip Schaff admitted in respect to Luther’s doctrine of sola fide, or of forensic justification where Luther claimed a person was declared (not made) just/righteous by faith in Christ alone, being virtually unknown in the early Church. All emphasis will

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historytheologyfaith

The Holy Eucharist In the Early Church Members Public

The following excerpt is taken from the late Christian historian Jaroslav Pelikan’s book, The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Vol. 1: The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition (100-600), published by University of Chicago Press in 1975, pp.166-171. All emphasis will be mine. The same

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
eucharistchurch-historycatholicism

St. Augustine, Trinity & Filioque Pt. 2 Members Public

The following is taken from St. Augustine’s On the Trinity Book 5 (V). All emphasis will be mine. Chapter 8.— Whatever is Spoken of God According to Substance, is Spoken of Each Person Severally, and Together of the Trinity Itself. One Essence in God, and Three, in Greek, Hypostases,

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
trinityholy-spirittheology

ICONS IN THE EARLY CHURCH Members Public

In this post I will cite some 2nd–4th Christian references testifying to the usage and veneration of sacred icons and images such as crosses. All emphasis will be mine. TERTULLIAN Chapter 16 For, like some others, you are under the delusion that our god is an ass’s head.

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historyorthodoxyart
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