podcast 256 – Aaron Shelenberger, from trinitarian to unitarian – Part 3

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In this final part of our conversation former trinitarian apologist Aaron Shelenberger first explains why trinitarian apologists do not think that John 17:1-3 poses a problem for their theology.

Of course biblical unitarianism hardly hinges on that one passage. He notes that in the New Testament only the Father is called “the only true God,” “the one God,” “the only God”, and “the Almighty.”

Next, he discusses Jesus’s claims in the fourth gospel that “I am,” and that he and the Father “are one.” Then: doesn’t Thomas call Jesus “my God” in John 20? Mustn’t then a reader of this gospel agree that Jesus is as much God as is the Father?

A general theme emerges that context is all-important when interpreting John. And there we must pay particular attention to who is talking – the spiritually, or those who “get it” about Jesus? Different characters are playing different roles in the narrative!

Then: who can forgive sins but God alone, and how could Jesus atone for the sins of humanity unless he’s divine? Should these assertions in question form make us agree that the New Testament Jesus “is God”? Finally, he urges apologists to boldly re-examine into these issues with an open mind, knowing that souls are at stake.

Links for this episode:

• podcast 254 – Aaron Shelenberger, from trinitarian to unitarian – Part 1
• podcast 255 – Aaron Shelenberger, from trinitarian to unitarian – Part 2
• podcast 248 – How Trinity theories conflict with the Bible
• podcast 124 – a challenge to “Jesus is God” apologists

• On not Confusing Together Jesus and God
• “the only true President” of the USA – another laughable Fox News blunder
• Reading comprehension quiz: Johann 17:1-3
• proving that Bush = Sgt. Speedo
• In the New Testament, Jesus has a god (who is also ours)
• “Only God can forgive sins.” False.

• podcast 126 – What is an evangelical? With Kermit Zarley
• podcast 63 – Thomas Belsham and other scholars on John 8:58
• podcast 70 – The one God and his Son according to John
• Jesus’s argument in John 10
• Kermit Zarley on “My Lord and my God.”
• podcast 227 – Who Should Christians Worship?
• podcast 91 – Dr. Joshua Thurow on theories of the atonement
• podcast 145 – ‘Tis Mystery All: the Immortal dies!
• Debate – Dr. Dale Tuggy vs. Dr. Michael Brown
• John 17:1-3, John 1:18, John 20:28, 1 John 5:20, John 5:44, 1 Corinthians 7:6, 1 Timothy 2:5, John 5:44, John 8:58, John 4:25-26, John 20:17-18, John 20:28, John 10:30, 1 Corinthians 3:8, Mark 15**, Hebrews 1:8-9, Matthew 9:8, John 20:21-23, Revelation 4:10-11, Revelation 5:9-14, Philippians 2:11, Romans 1:25, Romans 10:13.
• This week’s thinking music is “A Foolish Ballad (Instrumental)” by Aussens@iter