Proto-Trinity: the development of the doctrine of the Trinity in the first and second Christian centuries

Gaston, Thomas Edmund (2008). Proto-Trinity: the development of the doctrine of the Trinity in the first and second Christian centuries. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

[img]
Preview
Gaston08MPhil.pdf
PDF

Download (878kB)

Abstract

The search for the ‘historical Jesus’ has resulted in the view that Jesus never was, nor claimed to be, any more than a mere man. A conservative theologian still hold that the doctrine of the Trinity, later made explicit in the creeds, is implicit within the New Testament texts and was Jesus’ most controversial claim. But what did the early Christians believe about their Lord and Master? In this study I review the early Christian texts, their content and background, to ascertain the earliest forms of Christological thought. My thesis is that one of the earliest understandings of Jesus’ nature is found in the infancy narratives and that this understanding is presupposed by the earliest Christian writers (including the writers of the New Testament texts). From this basis I trace the development of Christology to the end of the second century, demonstrating how Christian thought moved from its primitive understanding of Jesus to the foundations of the doctrine of the Trinity.

Type of Work: Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)
Award Type: Masters by Research > M.Phil.
Supervisor(s):
Supervisor(s)EmailORCID
Burton, PhilipUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Licence:
College/Faculty: Schools (1998 to 2008) > School of Historical Studies
School or Department: School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion, Department of Theology and Religion
Funders: None/not applicable
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BT Doctrinal Theology
URI: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/151

Actions

Request a Correction Request a Correction
View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year