Learning Theology Essay

In Learning Theology with the church service service service amazes, Christopher Hall discusses the doctrinal beliefs of the early Christian leaders while Christianity was in its fledgling state of development. practically of what is discussed by hammock in his book is the standard for what the beliefs on the subject will be throughout the churchs history. The topics in pitchers mounds book are important because the church suffers findings concern these issues establishes the churchs beliefs on these doctrinal topics.Hills approach in his book is to take a subject that was highly contested in the life of the early church and follow one or two of the major leading authorities on the subject from the duration period. A benefit to looking at the topic this way shows what the prominent thinking of the day was and if it equable relates to Christians today. The first major theme that the book addresses is to describe the attri moreoveres of perfection. Hill looks at the various a spects of matinee idol the Father, son and set apart Spirit. Within discussing the parts of the Holy Trinity, Hill shows the various thinking the early church had concerning the terzetto, what to separately(prenominal) one of their roles are, and discusses how each(prenominal) of the three had equality together without either existence subordinate to some other.The second theme communicate by Hill is that of Gods interaction with hu opuss. Hill explains the teachings concerning mans sin and how the church fathers understood Gods for snuff itness toward man. Hill also speaks of man as being in stock-stilled with Gods heartfeltness. Mans natural instinct is not bent on doing what is inherently good, but it is at heart Gods instilled grace that Gods best for man is placed within himself (Hill, 130). Hill also writes in discussion of Gods providence to man as being loving, give-up the ghostent and wise.The third theme Hill discusses are those things that are directly relata ble to Christians in their relations with God. These things brood of the Christians relation to the scriptures, the apostolic founded church, and a Christians resurrected body and eternal life. Hill also discusses the early church fathers apologetics to the scriptures authority and how the scriptures were His perfect pass on apt(p) through His perfect knowledge (Hill, 209). Hill also discusses the differing roles of the church and what the members communal roles are and the differing thoughts on discipline.One of the most important topics discussed by Hill is that of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit. The discussion that was taking place during the quartern century was what is the Holy Spirit and what role does it play in the character of God? Many believed that the three persons of God were not triumvirate but actually three different Gods making Christianity polytheistic. Basil the Greats literary works on the subject is the focal point of Hills discussion. Basils writing s addressed the variable confusions that surrounded the Holy Spirit.The topics Hill highlights from Basil is that of the Holy Spirits equality with the Father and the Son. One point that Hill singles out which gives credence to a Holy Trinity is that the account for differing levels of power in the Holy Trinity is not arguable. Hill contends that people cannot comprehend the relationship amidst the three because they all three transient time and age, thus making it impossible for man to give rank to one over another (Hill, 105). This is rational argument because if something transcends time and age, does another being transcend time and space more? To have this distinction is not a more or little argument but a yes or no argument in defining a immortals self to which Hill discusses well.Another positive from Hills book is the definition of the Holy Spirit and the description of the divine community that is the Holy Trinity. If the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not three diffe rent gods, what is the purpose of their being three separate beings? Hill examines this by giving each of the three different roles in the actions of the world. Hill defines the Father as the creator, the Son and the initiator, and the Holy Spirit as the perfecter (Hill, 115).This understanding of the Holy Trinity shows how the three are not separate but how each are one with different roles in dealing with man. Hill also explains that neither entity usurps the others tasks, but remain separated in their roles showing that neither is superior to the other entities. This is a reusable distinction because it helps understand the functioning of the Holy Trinity and how it relates to man. When those tasks are known man has a go against appreciation for each part of the Holy Trinity and honor can be given to the each part of the deity including the Holy Spirit (Hill, 118).The theme of mans relation to God is another well outlined discussion. Hill addresses the subject of mans sins in a way that explains how it was subtle for the church fathers. Following the writing of Irenaeus, Hill discusses the issue of mans goodness. The discussion during the time of Irenaeus was whether man was naturally good or was goodness implanted in man by God? Hills conclusion eventually is mans sin nature is prevalent before his rebirth and after his conversion God bestows a sense of goodness through His love in man. Gods redemptive spirit is given to man and reflected through the actions of man (Hill, 130).Hills explanation that the church fathers did not think man naturally good is logical because if man is naturally good then their is no purpose for salvation. Yet while it is said human nature is without good, man is still given a choice and sometimes mothers the moral decision. A limited amount of time was given to explain how God allows man to make his own choices. Hill says that God gives the choice to man to steady down but does not fully expound on why man sometimes goes a gainst his nature to make moral decisions.In all, Hill does a good job on explaining the church fathers thinking concerning the formation of early church doctrine. His description of their writings helps the reader understand the issues that spurred their theology and the subject field of their messages. Learning Theology with the Church Fathers gives an good summation of how Christian beliefs came to formation and who the writers were that God used to variant early Christianitys doctrine.BibliographyHill, Christopher. Learning Theology with the Church Fathers. Downers Grove IVP Academy, 2002.