Defending the Trinity in the Reformed Palatinate: The Elohistae (Oxford Theology and Religion Monographs) - Hardcover

Merkle, Benjamin R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198749627 ISBN 13: 9780198749622

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2016

Synopsis

This study begins with an examination of Girolamo Zanchi's De Tribus Elohim (1572), setting this important defense of the doctrine of the Trinity in the immediate context of the recent rise of antitrinitarianism within the Reformed Palatinate. De Tribus Elohim focused on the grammatical peculiarity of the Hebrew word Elohim (God) in order to refute the biblicism of its contemporary antitrinitarians. In doing so, Zanchi's argument followed an exegetical thread common within the late medieval case for the doctrine of the Trinity, but which ran contrary to the exegetical sensibilities of many of Zanchi's own Reformed colleagues. This disagreement over the correct interpretation of the word Elohim, then became a touchstone for distinguishing between two different approaches to the Hebrew text with the Reformed Church of the late sixteenth century, and becomes a significant piece in understanding the development of Reformed exegesis.

About this title

About the Author

Benjamin R Merkle is a Fellow of Theology and Classical Languages at New Saint Andrews College, in Moscow, Idaho.

Review

"Merkle's careful analysis of Zanchi's De Tribus Elohim and its reception may serve as a helpful introduction to the variegated 'world of Reformed exegesis.' Defending the Trinity is recommended for readers interested in the history of scriptural interpretation and the development of trinitarian theology within the early modern Reformed tradition."--Brent A. Rempel, Reading Religion

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0198749627
• ISBN 13: 9780198749622
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 238