While we have been discussing Eternal Generation on the podcast, the subject of Eternal Generation of the Son can be quite perplexing, but thankfully in recent times, there has been a number of books published on the subject. Here are four contemporary books you need on Eternal Generation regardless of whether or not you agree with their assessment/conclusions:
Retrieving Eternal Generation
By Fred Sanders & Scott R. Swain, eds.
“Although the doctrine of eternal generation has been affirmed by theologians of nearly every ecclesiastical tradition since the fourth century, it has fallen on hard times among evangelical theologians since the nineteenth century. The doctrine has been a structural element in two larger doctrinal complexes: Christology and the Trinity. The neglect of the doctrine of eternal generation represents a great loss for constructive evangelical Trinitarian theology.
Retrieving the doctrine of eternal generation for contemporary evangelical theology calls for a multifaceted approach. Retrieving Eternal Generation addresses (1) the hermeneutical logic and biblical bases of the doctrine of eternal generation; (2) key historical figures and moments in the development of the doctrine of eternal generation; and (3) the broad dogmatic significance of the doctrine of eternal generation for theology. This book addresses both the common modern objections to the doctrine of eternal generation and presents the productive import of the doctrine for twenty-first century evangelical theology. Contributors include Michael Allen, Lewis Ayres, D. A. Carson, Oliver Crisp, and more.”
The Eternal Generation of the Son: Maintaining Orthodoxy in Trinitarian Theology
By Kevin N. Giles
“Should all Christians, especially evangelicals, hold on to the doctrine of the eternal generation of the Son? What is lost if we don’t?
In The Eternal Generation of the Son theologian Kevin Giles defends the historically orthodox and ecumenical doctrine of the eternal generation of the Son of God. He argues on biblical, historical and theological bases that, given its fundamental meaning, this formulation is indispensable, irreplaceable and faithful to Christian revelation.
The book will be especially helpful in the current discussion of this doctrine. It will also be of interest to students, pastors and laypersons who want to delve into the Christian understanding of the identity of the Son of God and serious study of trinitarian theology.”
Simply Trinity: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit
By Matthew Barrett
“What if the Trinity we’ve been taught is not the Trinity of the Bible? In this groundbreaking book, Matthew Barrett reveals a shocking discovery: we have manipulated the Trinity, recreating the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our own image.
With clarity and creativity, Barrett mines the Scriptures as well as the creeds and confessions of the faith to help you rediscover the beauty, simplicity, and majesty of our Triune God. You will be surprised to learn that what you believe about the Trinity has untold consequences for salvation and the Christian life. To truly know God, you must meet the One who is simply Trinity.”
The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship
By Robert Letham
“Seeking to recover evangelical Trinitarian teaching, Robert Letham examines its biblical foundations, traces its historical development, and offers suggestions on avoiding subordinationism and modalism. Engaging four critical issues, he illuminates the Trinity and the incarnation; worship and prayer; creation and missions; and personal relationships. This revised and expanded edition addresses developments in Augustine studies, Barth studies, and more.”
As one can ascertain, two of these books go beyond Eternal Generation, but are excellent works to get you into modern discussions on the subject of Trinitarianism and Eternal Generation.
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