Dolf Te Velde

Retrieving Eternal Generation

Theology

“The Christian teaching of the eternal generation of the Son has from the beginning engendered detailed scrutiny and fierce opposition, and again in the present, the doctrine is causing great controversy. By way of response, Swain and Sanders have gathered together for this volume a range of experts from the fields of biblical exegesis, church history, and systematic theology to consider this teaching in detail. The result is a powerful and dynamic defence of the doctrine, insisting vigorously upon its scriptural, traditional, and dogmatic importance. At a time of much doctrinal diversity and uncertainty, this book lucidly sets out a salutary and welcome account of this venerable teaching and of its central significance for faithful Christian belief. PAUL T NIMMO, King’s Chair of Systematic Theology, University of Aberdeen Retrieval is an important part of the task systematic theology faces today. In Retrieving Eternal Generation, Scott Swain and Fred Sanders, along with their fellow contributors, render a great service to the church and theology. In the midst of a fierce and sometimes confused debate over the doctrine of the Trinity, this excellent collection of essays provides a careful biblical, historical, and conceptual analysis that helps uncover the profound richness of the classic understanding of the Son’s eternal generation from the Father. Retrieving Eternal Generation brings together some of the best of biblical, patristic, and doctrinal theology in a convincing case for a doctrine that is unjustly accused of being overly metaphysical or Greek, among other deprecating terms. It shows that, to the contrary, this doctrine is vital for proper confession of the triune God.”