539 Dale Tuggy’s Thoughts on the James White Debate: Is Jesus Yahweh?

We’re taking a break this week from our class on Reading the Bible for Yourself. By the way, did you know that there’s a separate podcast just for classes without any interruptions like this? You can find it if you search your podcast app for Restitutio Classes. Anyhow, I had an opportunity to speak with Read more about 539 Dale Tuggy’s Thoughts on the James White Debate: Is Jesus Yahweh?[…]

520 In the Form of a God (Andrew Perriman)

Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Philippians 2.6-11 has generated an immense amount of scholarly literature such as journal articles and monographs not to mention blog posts, video lectures, and podcasts. What does the enigmatic phrase “in the form of God” mean? Did Paul intend us to think Jesus refused to grasp Read more about 520 In the Form of a God (Andrew Perriman)[…]

518 Tried to Believe in the Trinity (Rick Naviello)

Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts We’ve all heard plenty of stories of Trinitarians who begin questioning their received teaching and eventually become Unitarian. However, today, we’re bringing you a story that’s a little different. My guest is Rick Naviello who held a biblical unitarian view of Jesus for decades before attending Read more about 518 Tried to Believe in the Trinity (Rick Naviello)[…]

517 Walking with God (Josh and Daisy Jones)

Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Have you ever read miracle stories in the bible and asked yourself, “I wonder if this happens today?” My guests today are Josh and Daisy Jones of the UK who share their testimonies of God intervening in and through their lives. Hear about Josh’s miraculous healing Read more about 517 Walking with God (Josh and Daisy Jones)[…]

514 Aphrahat and Early Persian Christianity (Sam Tideman)

Although he’s one of the lesser known Christian authors of the fourth century, Aphrahat is extremely important for our understanding of early Persian Christianity prior to the advent of Islam in the region. Amazingly a full-length book of his survives, called The Demonstrations. In today’s interview I ask about Aphrahat’s beliefs in general and his Read more about 514 Aphrahat and Early Persian Christianity (Sam Tideman)[…]

505 The Key of Truth: A Monument of Armenian Unitarianism

The Key of Truth is a fascinating book, written by a sect of Armenian Unitarian Christians in the 1700s. Originally under Muslim rule, this group of Christians migrated to Russian-controlled Armenia in the nineteenth century. Sadly, they faced investigation, persecution, fines, and probably exile at the hands of the Armenian Church authorities. Although lost to Read more about 505 The Key of Truth: A Monument of Armenian Unitarianism[…]

496 Early Church History 14: Paul of Samosata and Photinus of Sirmium

This is part 14 of the Early Church History class. We’ve been learning about the controversy over Christ’s origins in the last couple of episodes. This battle raged between groups of Christians who agreed that Jesus pre-existed for sixty years. But today we are taking a break from that and looking instead at the early Read more about 496 Early Church History 14: Paul of Samosata and Photinus of Sirmium[…]

492 Refuting Samuel Nesan’s Case That Jesus Is Yahweh

This is part two of a two part series refuting the opening statement of a debate on the question “Is Jesus Yahweh?” This week Brand Duke and I are going to critique Samuel Nesan’s opening statement in his recent debate over the question, “Is Jesus Yahweh?” Nesan has a Master of Christian Studies at Seminari Read more about 492 Refuting Samuel Nesan’s Case That Jesus Is Yahweh[…]

491 Refuting Kyle Essary’s Case That Jesus Is Yahweh

Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts This is part one of a two part series refuting the opening statement of a debate on the question “Is Jesus Yahweh?” This week and next week we are taking a little break from our Early Church History class to do discuss a recent debate about Read more about 491 Refuting Kyle Essary’s Case That Jesus Is Yahweh[…]

478 Unitarian Anabaptist (Tom Huszti)

When COVID first broke out many endeavored to put their extra time to good use. Tom Huszti began listening to podcasts. He was intensely curious about theology. Huszti came to question several key beliefs he had imbibed as a lifelong Anabaptist, living in rural Ohio. Eventually he saw that the church’s God and the bible’s Read more about 478 Unitarian Anabaptist (Tom Huszti)[…]

The Key of Truth: A Monument of Armenian Unitarainism (Paper)

  Below is my conference presentation from the 2nd Unitarian Christian Alliance (UCA) Conference, presented on October 14, 2022 in Springfield, Ohio, USA. Here is the original pdf of this paper. Also, if you’d like to read Frederick Conybeare’s 1898 English translation of The Key of Truth, you can get it here. This is my Read more about The Key of Truth: A Monument of Armenian Unitarainism (Paper)[…]

457 From Oneness to One (J. Dan Gill)

Have you heard of oneness theology? Also called “Jesus only,” this is the idea that Jesus is all there is. Jesus is the Father; Jesus is the Holy Spirit. Jesus has manifested himself in many ways over the years, but there is only one individual or self who is God. Although not exclusive to the Read more about 457 From Oneness to One (J. Dan Gill)[…]

451 Wisdom Christology in Hebrews 1.10-12 (Jerry Wierwille)

Whereas last time we examined 6 interpretations people hold for Hebrews 1.10-12, today we look at just one–the 7th. Jerry Wierwille is my guest again and in this episode he explains his take on Hebrews 1.10-12. He delves into wisdom christology to show how these verses speak of Jesus protologically as wisdom that created the Read more about 451 Wisdom Christology in Hebrews 1.10-12 (Jerry Wierwille)[…]

450 Seven Interpretive Options for Hebrews 1.10-12 (Jerry Wierwille)

In our last episode, Dr. Jerry Wierwille led us through a contextual overview of Hebrews 1 and 2 in order to situate Hebrews 1.10-12. Today, we’ll consider seven interpretations of Hebrews 1.10-12, including: Father as referent, doxology Jesus as creator of Genesis creation Jesus as creator of figurative heaven and earth (referring to people and Read more about 450 Seven Interpretive Options for Hebrews 1.10-12 (Jerry Wierwille)[…]

440 Non-Trinitarian History in the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eric Miller)

Eric Miller begins by covering Alexander and Thomas Campbell’s beliefs about the Trinity. Then he talks about his own experience as a non-Trinitarian in the Independent Christian Churches community. He explains how the Christian Churches have become stricter on this issue in recent years. We discuss the possibility of reforming his church to be more Read more about 440 Non-Trinitarian History in the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eric Miller)[…]

439 The Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement (Eric Miller)

Have you heard of the Restoration Movement? In today’s interview Eric Miller recounts the history of Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell as they initiated the movement to get back to the Bible over against denominational divisions. He explains the differences between the Disciples of Christ, the A Capella Churches of Christ, and the Independent Christian Read more about 439 The Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement (Eric Miller)[…]

A New Translation of John 1

Have you heard of Scholars Version (SV) of the Gospels? It’s a translation pioneered by Greek expert Robert Funk in 1988 that has continued through several revisions through 2010. The SV of John 1 is particularly interesting, since they interpret λογος (logos) as God’s “word and wisdom” rather than a person distinguishable from God himself. Read more about A New Translation of John 1[…]

426 The Father Is Greater Than I: Exploring Biblical Subordination (Sean Finnegan)

Is the Son equal with the Father or is he subordinate? Thinking Christians have struggled over the tension between the traditional doctrine of coequality between Father and Son, on the one hand, and the dozens upon dozens of scriptures that either imply our explicitly teach the Father’s supremacy over his Son. Two ways of solving Read more about 426 The Father Is Greater Than I: Exploring Biblical Subordination (Sean Finnegan)[…]

422 One God 12: Early Church History

This is part 12 of the One God Over All class. If the entire bible clearly and repeatedly teaches that there is one supreme God who is over all and that Jesus is his subordinate son, then surely we should find evidence of this idea in the historical writings of Christians after the New Testament Read more about 422 One God 12: Early Church History[…]

421 One God 11: Spirit of God & Christ

This is part 11 of the One God Over All class. Who or what is the spirit of God? It won’t do to read later tradition back into the scriptures. Rather, we need to see how the bible itself talks about the holy spirit. To get at that answer we’ll take a look at a Read more about 421 One God 11: Spirit of God & Christ[…]

417 One God 7: Jesus, God’s Agent

This is part 7 of the One God Over All class. In the bible we encounter a strange phenomenon. Sometimes beings other than Yahweh are called Gods. How can we square that with monotheism–the idea that the Father is the only true God? Although most Christians are aware that the bible calls Jesus God a Read more about 417 One God 7: Jesus, God’s Agent[…]

416 One God 6: Jesus, God’s Subordinate Son

This is part 6 of the One God Over All class. The bible routinely recognizes the subordination of the Son to his Father. Throughout his ministry on earth, Jesus repeatedly and unapologetically taught, “The Father is greater than I” (John 14.28). Further, after his exaltation, Jesus remains dependent on the Father as his superior (1 Read more about 416 One God 6: Jesus, God’s Subordinate Son[…]

The Father Is Greater Than I: Exploring Biblical Subordination

This weekend I am presenting a paper on subordination: the idea that the Father is greater than the Son.  Although this notion may seem obvious to many of us, it is little discussed in mainstream Christianity.  I believe this angle may be the thin edge of the wedge to open up discussion on the Trinity Read more about The Father Is Greater Than I: Exploring Biblical Subordination[…]

413 One God 3: Yahweh Versus the Idols

This is part 3 of the One God Over All class. Yahweh is particularly sensitive about fidelity.  He wants his people to be solely devoted to him; he’s not content to share them with other gods. Century after century, when Israel strayed from him, Yahweh sent prophets to confront his people.  Eventually, he could not Read more about 413 One God 3: Yahweh Versus the Idols[…]

411 One God 1: Yahweh, the Supreme Creator

Today we are starting a brand new class called “One God Over All!”  My plan is to work through scripture to build a biblical theology of the one true God and his Son, Jesus the Messiah. This class will cover both texts supporting God’s exclusive oneness as well as misunderstood verses that seem to teach Read more about 411 One God 1: Yahweh, the Supreme Creator[…]

408 Christ before Creeds Book (Jeff Deuble)

Nearly a year ago, I interviewed Pastor Jeff Deuble from Sydney, Australia about his journey of discovering the genuine Jesus of the first century.  At the close of that interview, he mentioned that he had written a book that makes a case for his understanding of the biblical Christ.  Well, I’m happy to say that Read more about 408 Christ before Creeds Book (Jeff Deuble)[…]

Claude of Savoy: 16th Century Biblical Unitarian

Have you heard of Claude of Savoy? He was a bold witness to God’s oneness in the 16th century, even spending a month in Wittenberg in 1535 trying to convert Martin Luther. He wrote this fascinating theological summary: “The Lord thy God is one.” Whence then are there two others? particularly since it is written Read more about Claude of Savoy: 16th Century Biblical Unitarian[…]

368 Introducing the UCA Podcast (Mark Cain)

Did you know the Unitarian Christian Alliance just launched a podcast? In this interview, Mark Cain explains what he aims to do with this newest addition to one God podcasts and how the UCA podcast is different from the others. Ultimately, he wants to see unitarian Christians carry ourselves with confidence, knowing that our faith Read more about 368 Introducing the UCA Podcast (Mark Cain)[…]

Who Is the “Us” in Genesis 1.26 according to Michael Heiser?

Genesis 1.26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”   This passage Read more about Who Is the “Us” in Genesis 1.26 according to Michael Heiser?[…]

367 Excommunicated for My Beliefs (Sam)

Sam who asked me not to use his last name for fear that he will get kicked out of his current church, tells his story of navigating evangelical Christianity as a biblical unitarian. He shares two sad stories of excommunication from a college ministry and a local church. As you might suspect, this harsh treatment Read more about 367 Excommunicated for My Beliefs (Sam)[…]

356 Unitarian Bible Translations 3 (Jerry Wierwille)

Today, we’ve got three more texts to look at in our selection of unitarian Bible translations. Unlike last time where we focused on Christologically interesting passages, today, we’ll examine Luke 23.43, John 7.53-8.11, and 1 Thessalonians 1.3 to look at a punctuation issue, a textual issue, and a grammatical issue. By the end of this Read more about 356 Unitarian Bible Translations 3 (Jerry Wierwille)[…]

355 Unitarian Bible Translations 2 (Jerry Wierwille)

Last time we reviewed six unitarian Bible translations, covering some basic information about where each came from and their overall strategy for translation. Today, we’re going to analyze how they translate three key texts, including Philippians 2.6, John 1.1-3, and John 8.58. Our goal is to measure these translations against what the Greek says as Read more about 355 Unitarian Bible Translations 2 (Jerry Wierwille)[…]

Short One-God Videos

Over at the Unitarian Christian Alliance, we’ve been hard at work putting out a bunch of short videos about who God and Jesus are. These videos are great to use as a teaching aid for adults and children. They’re also great to share with others from “traditional” Christian backgrounds to make them think. Here are Read more about Short One-God Videos[…]

309 Introducing the Unitarian Christian Alliance (Dale Tuggy, Kegan Chandler, Mark Cain, Sean Finnegan)

Today, we are publicly announcing the launch of a new para-church organization called the UCA or the Unitarian Christian Alliance.  This is a new ministry that I’ve been working on with Dale Tuggy, Kegan Chandler, and Mark Cain for months and I believe it will help all of us, but especially those who don’t live Read more about 309 Introducing the Unitarian Christian Alliance (Dale Tuggy, Kegan Chandler, Mark Cain, Sean Finnegan)[…]

Theology 13 – Jesus, God’s Supreme Representative

Although later Christianity interpreted the handful of texts that call Jesus God as evidence that he shared the same rank, substance, and age as the Father, a more Hebrew-sensitive reading of these same verses yields more organic fruit.  Instead of bringing in complex Greek philosophy to distinguish person from being and divine from human natures, Read more about Theology 13 – Jesus, God’s Supreme Representative[…]

Did Christians Believe in the Trinity before the Council of Nicaea in 325?

Last weekend I presented on “The Trinity before Nicea” at Restoration Fellowship’s Theological Conference in Hampton, GA.  This is such an important question to wrestle with, since the answer has a huge bearing on whether the Trinity was a new idea in the fourth century or if Christians had always believed and taught it since Read more about Did Christians Believe in the Trinity before the Council of Nicaea in 325?[…]

163 Jesus, God’s Agent

In this presentation you’ll learn about the core creed of the bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, the Shema, and how that relates to the smattering of texts in which Jesus may be called “God.”  If Yahweh alone is God then how can Jesus be God too?  Are there two Gods or is Read more about 163 Jesus, God’s Agent[…]

162 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 4

We continue our refutation of Michael Brown’s opening statement by addressing a whole smattering of texts, including Isaiah 9.6, John 20.28, Colossians 2.9, 2 Peter 1.1, Romans 9.5, and 1 John 5.20. We explain and debunk Brown’s unusual singular verb argument from 1 Thess 3.13, 2 Thess 2.16-17, and Rev 22.3-4. We briefly touch upon Read more about 162 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 4[…]

161 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 3

We continue our refutation of Michael Brown’s opening statement by addressing some alleged pre-existence texts in John 17.5, John 12.41, Philippians 2.6-11, and Matthew 23.37.  (See previous episodes here.)  Lastly we spend some considerable time working through Hebrews 1, giving special attention to verses 8 and 10.  To help you follow along, here is the Read more about 161 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 3[…]

160 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 2

In this episode we tackle the next chunk of Michael Brown’s opening statement in the recent Trinity debate.  We address his argument that since God’s words remain forever and Christ’s words remain forever, they must be the same (cf. Mat 24.35 vs. Isaiah 40.7-8).  Next we briefly explain the grammatical issues related to Titus 2.13 Read more about 160 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 2[…]

159 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 1

Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Jerry Wierwille and I systematically refute Michael Brown’s problematic case for the deity of Christ in his recent debate with Dale Tuggy. Due to the number of texts Brown crammed into his opening statement, this will have to be a multipart series. In this episode we Read more about 159 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 1[…]

Interview 51 Dale Tuggy Post-Debate Review

Are you curious how Dale Tuggy thinks he did on the Trinity debate with Michael Brown?  In this post-debate interview I ask him about his strongest points as well as what he thought Brown’s strongest arguments were.  I ask Tuggy about Brown’s Trinity theory and he explains the “one self” version of the Trinity as Read more about Interview 51 Dale Tuggy Post-Debate Review[…]

158 Dale Tuggy vs. Michael Brown Debate: Is the God of the Bible the Father Alone?

Last night Michael Brown (PhD NYU) and Dale Tuggy (PhD Brown U) debated the question, “Is the God of the Bible the Father Alone?” Tuggy affirmed while Brown denied. Both scholars recognize the inspiration and the authority of scripture over tradition. Both made an effort to found their beliefs using the bible, reason, and history. Read more about 158 Dale Tuggy vs. Michael Brown Debate: Is the God of the Bible the Father Alone?[…]

Interview 49 They Never Told Me This in Church (Greg Deuble)

Greg Deuble grew up in the Church of Christ in Australia, went to N.S.W. Bible College in Sydney, and spent fifteen years serving as a pastor and evangelist.  One day he attended a meeting during which Anthony Buzzard challenged him on his belief in the deity of Christ.  Rattled, Deuble began on a quest to reassess Read more about Interview 49 They Never Told Me This in Church (Greg Deuble)[…]

Interview 48 Korean Ministry (Sam An)

For more than a decade, Sam An has faithfully served as an administrator and teacher at the Korean Extension of the Atlanta Bible College.  In this interview, you’ll learn about his own story of faith as well as what God is doing through his ministry to touch Koreans both in America and in South Korea. Read more about Interview 48 Korean Ministry (Sam An)[…]

Interview 47 Christian Disciples Church and the Only True God (Calvin Chan)

Have you heard of the Christian Disciples Church?  They are a biblical unitarian group scattered throughout Asia primarily.  In this episode Calvin Chan, who has been with the disciples since the beginning, will tell you the story of how this group got started as a student disciple movement.  He also shares about how the founder, Read more about Interview 47 Christian Disciples Church and the Only True God (Calvin Chan)[…]

Interview 46 Misunderstood Texts about Jesus 4 (Bill Schlegel)

This is the fourth and final part of our Misunderstood Texts about Jesus series with Bill Schlegel.  In this episode he offers remarks on Philippians 2.5-6, Colossians 2.9, and Revelation 1.17.  After this, I ask him one of the biggest questions on this subject: if Jesus isn’t God then how can his sacrifice possibly pay Read more about Interview 46 Misunderstood Texts about Jesus 4 (Bill Schlegel)[…]

Interview 45 Misunderstood Texts about Jesus 3 (Bill Schlegel)

In parts one and two, we examined ten misunderstood verses in the Gospel of John.  In part three, we’ll examine seven more texts from the rest of the bible: Genesis 1.26 Isaiah 9.6 Matthew 2.2 Matthew 28.9 Matthew 28.19 (cf. 2 Cor 13.14) Romans 9.5 Acts 20.28 Repeatedly, Bill Schlegel calls us back to understand Read more about Interview 45 Misunderstood Texts about Jesus 3 (Bill Schlegel)[…]

Interview 44 Misunderstood Texts about Jesus 2 (Bill Schlegel)

This is part two of my series with Bill Schlegel, former professor of the Israel Bible Extension and long time bible teacher and geography expert.  Last time we discussed five major texts in the Gospel of John and this time we cover four or five more: John 10.30 John 10.33 John 13.18-19 John 20.28 1 Read more about Interview 44 Misunderstood Texts about Jesus 2 (Bill Schlegel)[…]

Debate: Dale Tuggy vs. Michael Brown

Dale Tuggy will debate Michael Brown on the question: “Is the God of the Bible the Father Alone?” at Fire Church, Concord, North Carolina on January 11 at 7pm. There is no charge for this event.  Please attend if you can make it.  This is an opportunity to hear both sides of this very important Read more about Debate: Dale Tuggy vs. Michael Brown[…]

Interview 43 Misunderstood Texts about Jesus 1 (Bill Schlegel)

Today we are beginning a new series called “Misunderstood Texts about Jesus” with Bill Schlegel.  Professor Schlegel lived and taught the bible and geography in Israel for more than three decades.  Recently, he came to change his mind on the deity of Jesus, seeing him now as God’s man rather than a God-man.  Since he Read more about Interview 43 Misunderstood Texts about Jesus 1 (Bill Schlegel)[…]

Interview 41 The Scattered Brethren Network with Robin Todd

Robin Todd has faithfully served as the director of the Worldwide Scattered Brethren Network for the last 10 years.  He helps biblical unitarians find each other all over the United States as well as some other countries.  In this interview, we talk about how he got started, what it takes to get on his list, Read more about Interview 41 The Scattered Brethren Network with Robin Todd[…]

Interview 40: How Much Does Truth Matter? (Chuck Whitlock)

How much does truth matter to you?  In particular, how should we think about Christians who hold very different views on key subjects?  For example, I’m a biblical unitarian, someone who believes that we should take Jesus literally when he called his Father “the only true God.”  Of course I believe Jesus is God’s only Read more about Interview 40: How Much Does Truth Matter? (Chuck Whitlock)[…]

Interview 34: From Pentecostal to Messianic Unitarian (Daniel Calcagno)

Born to Italian immigrants, Daniel Calcagno grew up in Canada, near Niagara Falls and attended a Pentecostal church.  After he began taking his faith seriously, he started researching the Jewish people–especially those who believe in Jesus.  Over time he founded Messianic Niagara, a local home group with a website that promoted audio teachings.   However, Read more about Interview 34: From Pentecostal to Messianic Unitarian (Daniel Calcagno)[…]

Bill Schlegel’s “Son of God in the Bible”

Here is a short 30 minute explanation of Bill Schlegel’s understanding of what the phrase “son of God” means in the bible. He explains that this term has nothing to do with deity, but instead refers to the descendant of David whom God anoints as king. Rather than impose on scripture the philosophically freighted ideas Read more about Bill Schlegel’s “Son of God in the Bible”[…]

Interview 31: Master’s University Prof. Finds Son of God, Loses Job (Bill Schlegel)

Bill Schlegel, professor and cofounder of The Master’s University extension program in Israel (IBEX), was studying the phrase “Son of God” and came to understand the term did not correlate with the traditional “God the Son” teaching, but instead meant God’s heir, the king he has designated to rule the world.  Although he had taught Read more about Interview 31: Master’s University Prof. Finds Son of God, Loses Job (Bill Schlegel)[…]

120 Biblical Unitarian Trailblazers of the 16th Century (Five Hundred 5)

Although sometimes lumped in with enlightenment rationalism, the biblical unitarian movement came to prominence right from the start of the Reformation.  Essentially, as soon as bible translations started getting into the hands of regular people, a great many Catholic doctrines came under scrutiny.  In this episode you’ll learn about three major biblical unitarian trailblazers of Read more about 120 Biblical Unitarian Trailblazers of the 16th Century (Five Hundred 5)[…]

113 Trinity History (Stan Chee)

Stanley Chee of the Christian Disciples Church in Toronto, Canada shares a brief overview of how the doctrine of the trinity developed in the first four centuries.  Pulling on the work of Eric Chang, Bentley Chan, Hans Kung, and Richard Rubenstein, Chee explains four major factors that played a role in this process: The church’s Read more about 113 Trinity History (Stan Chee)[…]

111 John 1.1 Explained (John Schoenheit)

The first verse of John’s Gospel reads: “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.” Typically, Christians understand the Word to refer to the Son and God to refer to the Father. However, as John Schoenheit explains, this reading owes more to later trinitarian theology than Read more about 111 John 1.1 Explained (John Schoenheit)[…]

KingdomFest Videos

Last weekend Living Hope International Ministries (LHIM) sponsored KingdomFest 2017 with the theme: “Yahweh, there is no other.”  In addition to fabulous praise music, scrumptious homemade food, and tons of time to fellowship with each other, we heard teachings from the following people: John McCave “Yahweh Is the Only God“ John Schoenheit “John 1:1“ Stan Read more about KingdomFest Videos[…]

109 Five Reasons I Changed my Mind about the Trinity (Sid Hatch)

Sid Hatch, a former Baptist minister and graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary explains his reasons for questioning the Trinity.  Ultimately he concluded the bible does not teach that Jesus is “God the Son” but that he is “the Son of God.”  In this presentation, he discusses various key texts including John 1.1 and Philippians 2.1-9 Read more about 109 Five Reasons I Changed my Mind about the Trinity (Sid Hatch)[…]

Interview 25: Studying the Trinity, Discovering God Is One (Sean Holbrook)

Sean Holbrook was attending a typical evangelical church when he heard a series of sermons teaching the Trinity.  Ironically, these very messages, designed to bolster faith in the doctrine, ended up inspiring Holbrook to question the age old dogma.  As a result, he set out to study the topic more and watched James White debates Read more about Interview 25: Studying the Trinity, Discovering God Is One (Sean Holbrook)[…]

Interview 24: What Is the Trinity with Dale Tuggy

Do you know what the Trinity is?  Could you explain it to someone else or is it just a confusing collection of impenetrable statements hidden under a cloud of fog?  In his recent book, Professor Dale Tuggy seeks to clarify everyone’s perceptions of the various Trinity theories so that we can have productive conversation on Read more about Interview 24: What Is the Trinity with Dale Tuggy[…]

Interview 22: The 21st Century Reformation (J. Dan and Sharon Gill)

J. Dan and Sharon Gill are part of a growing movement of bible students who have concluded that the Father of Jesus is the only true God.  They’re so passionate about this truth that in 2008, they launched their website, called Twenty-First Century Reformation (21stcr.org).  To date they’ve received over 700,000 views on YouT ube, Read more about Interview 22: The 21st Century Reformation (J. Dan and Sharon Gill)[…]

96: Nicholas Hlifka Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)

Nicholas Hlifka grew up as an atheist until a Christian teacher shared his faith with him in high school.  While attending the State University of New York at Fredonia, he took a class with Dale Tuggy.  When he found out that Tuggy was a biblical unitarian, he was immediately wary of such a heretical belief.  Read more about 96: Nicholas Hlifka Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]

95: Chad Hoffman Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)

After a bad divorce, Chad Hoffman became a Christian.  He attended a number of different churches and something didn’t sit right at each.  In 2006, he was diagnosed with a inoperable tumor on his brain stem.  After some treatment it shrank and grew back.  During this tumultuous time, he started considering what he believed about Read more about 95: Chad Hoffman Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]

94: Carouthers Family Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)

Steve and Phyllis Carouthers have attended many churches throughout their Christian journey.  A couple of years ago Phyllis was researching the gifts of the spirit and came across an article on the Truth or Tradition website and saw that they were biblical unitarians.  Initially she found this quite disturbing as she associated all unitarians with Read more about 94: Carouthers Family Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]

93: Jouke Elsinga Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)

Even though he grew up in the Calivinist Reformed tradition as a pastor’s kid, Jouke Elsinga was not sure he believed in God’s existence.  After reading Frank Turek’s I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, he came to believe in God and started searching for apologetics.  He came across my apologetics class on Read more about 93: Jouke Elsinga Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]

92: Danny Tanner Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)

Danny Tanner grew up in the Lutheran Church and later got heavily involved with the Brethren in Christ group.  He’s served as a worship pastor, an associate pastor, and an executive pastor.  Currently he’s involved in a church plant.  Over the years he’s questioned his faith, but never let himself dive in deep enough to Read more about 92: Danny Tanner Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]

91: Jeremy Bowders Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)

While working in a casket factory as an upholsterer, one day Jeremy Bowders reflected on the fact that he would be in one eventually. He began asking the big questions about his life’s purpose. He began reading the bible and became a Christian. In the course of researching open theism, he read an article by Read more about 91: Jeremy Bowders Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]

90: Jonathen Favors Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)

Having overcome his desire to remain in the background, Jonathen Favors boldly shared his testimony of coming to understand who God is.  After a severe football injury, he had a lot of time to spend time with and think about God.  While attending BIOLA University, he had learned that the title “Son of God” is Read more about 90: Jonathen Favors Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]

Will James White Take Dale Tuggy’s Challenge to Debate?

Yesterday Dale Tuggy challenged James White to debate whether or not the God of the bible is the Trinity on his Trinities podcast (Episode 182: White’s Case for the Trinity–Part 2 at 38:17).  The question is, “Will White accept the challenge?”  If so, he will have to do more than follow his standard approach of Read more about Will James White Take Dale Tuggy’s Challenge to Debate?[…]

Podcast 79: Proud of Our God (Victor Gluckin)

Are you embarrassed of your non-traditional beliefs about God? Victor Gluckin says that it’s time to stand up for what we believe. Believing God is one (instead of three-in-one) is not some sort of fringe doctrine; it’s at the very heart of biblical faith. After all, Jesus himself identified the Jewish “shema” as the most Read more about Podcast 79: Proud of Our God (Victor Gluckin)[…]

Interview 9: Pagan Influences on the Development of the Trinity (Kegan Chandler)

Kegan Chandler joins me once again to talk about the history of theology.  If you haven’t yet heard his story, check out Interview 8: A Restorationist Finds the God of Jesus.  In this episode, I ask Chandler about his book, The God of Jesus in Light of Christian Dogma.  If you are at all interested Read more about Interview 9: Pagan Influences on the Development of the Trinity (Kegan Chandler)[…]

Interview 8: A Restorationist Discovers the God of Jesus (Kegan Chandler)

Kegan Chandler grew up as a bible-believing Christian in Texas.  His grandfather, Pat E. Harrell, was a leader within Church of Christ who founded their Restoration Quarterly publication.  As a result of his grandparents’ and parents’ passion for God, Chandler grew up in a family steeped in bible study and theological reflection.  One day the Read more about Interview 8: A Restorationist Discovers the God of Jesus (Kegan Chandler)[…]

Interview 7: An Analytic Philosopher Unleashes Logic on the Trinity (Dale Tuggy)

In my previous interview with Professor Dale Tuggy, we discussed his journey of faith.  In this conversation I ask him to discuss logical and biblical problems with the Trinity.  This is a higher level conversation, but well worth the listen if you are at all curious about the Trinity or are interesting in hearing how Read more about Interview 7: An Analytic Philosopher Unleashes Logic on the Trinity (Dale Tuggy)[…]

Interview 6: Dale Tuggy’s Journey

In this interview with philosopher Dr. Dale Tuggy, I ask him questions about his personal spiritual journey.  Dr. Tuggy is an analytic philosopher who works on world religions and the doctrine of the Trinity.  He’s a tenured professor of philosophy at the State University of New York at Fredonia.  Furthermore, he runs a popular website Read more about Interview 6: Dale Tuggy’s Journey[…]

Interview 5: Seeking Truth Wherever It Leads (Brian and Rochelle Allen)

Brian and Rochelle Allen of Vermont share their journey of faith, including how they became discontent with the traditional evangelical doctrines they grew up believing.  In this interview they discuss how recontextualizing the bible in its Hebrew thought-world opened their eyes to understand Jesus so much better.  He is the Jewish Messiah sent to redeem Read more about Interview 5: Seeking Truth Wherever It Leads (Brian and Rochelle Allen)[…]

Is the Trinity Biblical?

I’m starting a series of videos assessing the Trinity.  I want to begin by asking, “Does the bible teach the Trinity?”  In order to answer this question, we need to define what we mean.  In one sense the Trinity is biblical and in another it is not.  Watch this video to find out more:

Interview 3: A Letter to a Trinitarian (Hugh Knowlton)

Today Hugh Knowlton joins Restitutio to talk about how to handle important doctrinal differences with other Christians.  So often such intra-Christian discussions generate more heat than light.  Does that mean we should all just ignore our differences, forcing smiles and hoping that no one peers beneath our thin veneer of unity?  Or should we charge Read more about Interview 3: A Letter to a Trinitarian (Hugh Knowlton)[…]

Podcast 45: Talking with Jesus (John Cortright)

This is now the third in a series of messages related to monotheism.  Having established that the Father of Jesus is the only true God (John 17.3), we must be careful not denigrate or demote Jesus in any way.  He is the perfect one who lived without sin and courageously faced death on behalf of Read more about Podcast 45: Talking with Jesus (John Cortright)[…]

Podcast 44: The Immutable Shema (Sean Finnegan)

by Sean Finnegan The Shema has been the core creed of Judaism from the time of Moses to today.  It stands as an immovable witness to God’s identity as well as our proper relation to him.  Even though Jesus confessed the Shema, most Christians today aren’t familiar with it.  This is because after the New Read more about Podcast 44: The Immutable Shema (Sean Finnegan)[…]

Podcast 43: Identity Theft (Vince Finnegan)

by Vince Finnegan From Exodus and Deuteronomy, God makes clear who he is and how he wants his chosen people to worship him.  He is Yahweh, the one God of Israel, the only one.  His identity does not change.  Sadly, later on God became the victim of identity theft, as Christians developed the dogma of Read more about Podcast 43: Identity Theft (Vince Finnegan)[…]

Translating the Holy Spirit 2

In the first part of this investigation into the holy spirit and translation bias, I limited my focus to relative pronouns used to refer to the holy spirit. In what follows I will broaden my inquiry to include several other key texts and important concepts related to the God’s spirit. First I will discuss in Read more about Translating the Holy Spirit 2[…]

Podcast 23: Let Us Make Man (Sean Finnegan)

by Sean Finnegan In Genesis 1.26, God says, “Let us make man in our image.”  Since this is the creation of humanity, he couldn’t have been speaking to any humans.  So whom was God speaking to?  One common interpretation is to say he was speaking to another person within his being–God the Son.  But, this Read more about Podcast 23: Let Us Make Man (Sean Finnegan)[…]

10 Minute Truth Talks: The Father Being the Only True God

Check out Dustin Smith’s explanation of the only true God’s identity in his first ever 10 Minute Truth Talk: Edited by Josiah Cain and Jacob Paura For those who want to donate towards the production of future videos, go here: paypal.me/10mintruthtalks

Podcast 21: Should We Worship Jesus? (Sean Finnegan)

Most Christians never give worshiping Jesus a second thought.  However, as biblical unitarians–those who believe the Father is the only true God–we do need to wrestle with this question.  Some have argued that worshiping Jesus is tantamount to idolatry since we should only worship God.  Others have taken the view that we can worship Jesus Read more about Podcast 21: Should We Worship Jesus? (Sean Finnegan)[…]

Podcast 14: My Story, His Glory (Joel Hemphill)

by Joel Hemphill In this short but revealing testimony, famed southern gospel singer Joel Hemphill tells his journey from oneness to one.  Growing up in the “Jesus only” movement, he preached and sung about Jesus as God until the Father began to show him the light.  His transparent honesty comes through as he narrates of Read more about Podcast 14: My Story, His Glory (Joel Hemphill)[…]

Jesus Is God: Exploring the Notion of Representational Deity

Sean Finnegan (Restitutio.org) Presented June 2008 One God Seminar, Seattle, Washington Sponsored by the Association for Christian Development Isn’t it interesting how one statement can be shocking and controversial in one setting and totally mundane in another? For example, if someone came into a room of NASCAR enthusiasts and said, “Racing is so boring to Read more about Jesus Is God: Exploring the Notion of Representational Deity[…]

Let Us Make Man

by Sean Finnegan The word “person” has multiple meanings.   In normal conversation, it means simply a human being. However, in theological terminology (thanks to the council of Nicaea in AD 325) “person” means a being that has a mind (an independent consciousness).   According to this definition, God is a person because He (note the personal Read more about Let Us Make Man[…]

Podcast 9: God and Jesus: An Overview (Sean Finnegan)

by Sean Finnegan What’s the difference between God and Jesus.  Many Christians believe they are mysteriously one in being, but what do the scriptures teach?  It turns out the bible clearly distinguishes between these two individuals and their attributes preclude their metaphysical oneness.  Listen in to hear the evidence for why Jesus is the son Read more about Podcast 9: God and Jesus: An Overview (Sean Finnegan)[…]

Nathan Crowder’s Works

Nathan Crowder fell asleep on November 24, 2015 in Sanford, Florida USA.  He now awaits the resurrection in which he so passionately believed.  In an effort to honor him, I have collected what works I have of his below: Christ–the Firstborn Head of the Universe (2007) Nathan Preaching to Strangers (2007) Evangelism Class (2008) TruthMatters Read more about Nathan Crowder’s Works[…]

The Holy Spirit and Translation Bias: A Smoking Gun of Trinity Mischief (1)

Download this article Translators have historically held incredible power to influence millions of Bible-readers over the eons. Many impressive developments have occurred in the field of textual criticism and lexicology over the last century. Today we can access dozens of English translations, Greek interlinears, and lexical aids online for free. In no other age have Read more about The Holy Spirit and Translation Bias: A Smoking Gun of Trinity Mischief (1)[…]