The Filioque-Controversy with the laity

[RamistThomist]

The scriptures in the NT were pretty specific in addressing the Holy spirit as being God, so why would they be balking at confessing this truth revealed to us by God?

The specific grammar of the early church was to say "The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." True, the Holy Spirit is God the Holy Spirit, but they weren't always clear about how that fit with the prized monarchia of the Father.

 

[Dachaser]

The specific grammar of the early church was to say "The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." True, the Holy Spirit is God the Holy Spirit, but they weren't always clear about how that fit with the prized monarchia of the Father.

Was there ever a detailed theological work done on the Spirit during those times, such as the Father and Jesus had?

 

[RamistThomist]

Was there ever a detailed theological work done on the Spirit during those times, such as the Father and Jesus had?

Not really, except Basil's monograph on the Spirit. Here's the problem: you can say the Spirit is God, but you have to say that in a way where the relationship doesn't imply more than one God. We have the benefit of 1700 years to work through that. They didn't

 

[Dachaser]

Not really, except Basil's monograph on the Spirit. Here's the problem: you can say the Spirit is God, but you have to say that in a way where the relationship doesn't imply more than one God. We have the benefit of 1700 years to work through that. They didn't

The same scriptures used to support Jesus as being God would also though be used to call the Spirit as being God.

 

[RamistThomist]

The same scriptures used to support Jesus as being God would also though be used to call the Spirit as being God.

What does "Being God" mean? That was by no means agreed upon in the ancient world (or today, for that matter). Any good Neo-Platonist could say, "Yeah, of course we see Jesus (or the Spirit) being God. Who wouldn't?"

 

[Dachaser]

What does "Being God" mean? That was by no means agreed upon in the ancient world (or today, for that matter). Any good Neo-Platonist could say, "Yeah, of course we see Jesus (or the Spirit) being God. Who wouldn't?"

John called Jesus the Word, who was with the Father, and was also just as much God as the Father was, and Peter called the Holy Spirit God, so why the hesitation in the early Church to make that declaration?

 

[RamistThomist]

John called Jesus the Word, who was with the Father, and was also just as much God as the Father was, and Peter called the Holy Spirit God, so why the hesitation in the early Church to make that declaration?

Here is why: what does ousia mean?

Any good tritheist can agree with your above statement. I agree, too, but it's not enough. The early Fathers weren't stupid. They knew that if you took loaded concepts like ousia and hypostasis, and then applied them to "God" or "Spirit," you create more problems than you solve.

Yes, Basil and Gregory did a great job in clearing the field on this terminology. But it took close to a century.

Here is the problem with using these words. Yes, you have to use them, but if you have to clear the philosophical field to even get started.
https://negatingthevoid.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/mcguckin-on-natures/

 

[Dachaser]

Here is why: what does ousia mean?

Any good tritheist can agree with your above statement. I agree, too, but it's not enough. The early Fathers weren't stupid. They knew that if you took loaded concepts like ousia and hypostasis, and then applied them to "God" or "Spirit," you create more problems than you solve.

Yes, Basil and Gregory did a great job in clearing the field on this terminology. But it took close to a century.

Here is the problem with using these words. Yes, you have to use them, but if you have to clear the philosophical field to even get started.
https://negatingthevoid.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/mcguckin-on-natures/

the early Church fathers were much more precise in their use of terms then we are today, as exampled by the big discussion that arose between of like or the same substance as the Father.

 

[RamistThomist]

the early Church fathers were much more precise in their use of terms then we are today, as exampled by the big discussion that arose between of like or the same substance as the Father.

What does ousia mean? I keep asking this question because it is very easy to say "The Spirit is God." We also have to frame that in a way that rules out tritheism.