• Apostolicity as Divine Attribute in Trinitarian Relationship: the origin and nature of apostolicity and how it is demonstrated

    Author(s):
    Erwin Samuel Henderson (see profile)
    Date:
    2021
    Group(s):
    Philosophy of Religion, Theology
    Subject(s):
    Ontology
    Item Type:
    Article
    Tag(s):
    apostolicity, Trinity, episcopate, Apostolic fathers
    Permanent URL:
    https://doi.org/10.17613/7t8g-ah90
    Abstract:
    This paper responds to the question what is the origin and nature of apostolicity and how it is demonstrated? The investigation examines the meaning of apostolicity found in the New Testament, its significant transition through the post-apostolic period, and the consequence on contemporary understanding. The dilemma of the first and second century-generation Christians was how to understand apostolicity in light of the disappearance of the ‘sacred triad’ (apostles, prophets and teachers). The emerging principles of discontinuity, transference, transformation and succession carved the road to canonisation, bishop-centrism and episcopal systemisation. The Pentecostal anchorage in the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost is determinant in qualifying apostolicity; while emphasising agency and function, it also turns attention to the Person of the Spirit. This leads necessarily to an examination of the Trinity, ontologically and relationally, and therefore brings a fuller response to the research question. Subsequent exploration of the non-hierarchical, ‘intra-Trinitarian’ relationship will demonstrate an apostolic archetype. This contribution seeks to restore the Trinity to apostolic thinking in response to the historical construct by defining the nature of apostolicity in Godhead, and to argue apostolicity as a response to subordinate suppositions. It concludes with a proposed basis for renewed self-understanding as Trinitarian extension.
    Metadata:
    xml
    Published as:
    Journal article     Show details
    Pub. DOI:
    https://doi.org/10.46222/pharosjot.102.020
    Publisher:
    Pharos Journal of Theology
    Pub. Date:
    27/07/2021
    Journal:
    Pharos Journal of Theology
    Volume:
    102
    Issue:
    2021
    ISSN:
    ISSN 2414-3324
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    1 year ago
    License:
    Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
    Share this:

    Downloads

    Item Name: pdf article_20_vol_102_2021_henderson_france.pdf
      Download View in browser
    Activity: Downloads: 271

    Back to Deposits