Review of Trent Et Quarante on Natural Theology

Trent Et Quarante (the origin of the term Trent) is a charming treatise of biblical naturalism. This book is a response both to the naturalism in the Reformation as well as the seventeenth-century church dads who denied the doctrine that salvation is immediate by grace alone. Through this book, Et Quarante argues that grace is a work of free will while faith is a work of predestination, wherein we choose to believe according to our free will.

The book's most important section is divided into three sections, each one dealing with one of three main theologies: original sin, grace, or merit. Parts one to three focus on the doctrines of original sin. This part of the book contains a number of illuminating conversations between its contributors, some of which are surprisingly candid about how they square religious belief with their practice. Some conversations are surprisingly poignant considering the subject matter.

Parts two to three are primarily concerned with the doctrines of merit. Et Quarante presents a fascinating argument against original sin. He believes that those who believe in it are misunderstanding its meaning. Et Quarante, John Locke and other co-writers believe that the doctrine on original sin is what gives rise to the idea merit. Locke believes that original sin binds a person to all the bad consequences of their behavior. According to Et Quarante, his co-writers, following Locke's view of merit would make one a sinner at the end.

Et Quarante however points out that there are more merits than this. Remember that salvation does not come from our sins, but rather because we were created in the image and likeness of God. Our union with God is the only thing that matters. This is Et Quarante’s metaphysics about original sin, and the root of his message. He presents salvation as a mystery, and it is difficult to understand.

Et Quarante shares another interesting story about David & Bathsheba, Absorption's daughters. David had rejected the offering of Bathsheba, the daughter of Esdragel, for divorce because of her unfaithfulness to him. David was so enamored of Bathsheba that David was willing to marry him, but not for reasons of purity. He chose to marry Bathsheba to undo the harm he had caused. David was bound to the Law of Moses, the commandments of God, and the metaphysics of first sin made it impossible to end their marriage.

Et Quarante draws heavily from the works of Robert Edward Grant, Hugh Walker, and Anthony Coady in explaining the philosophy of merit and demerit. However, he acknowledges the debt he owes to older works. Trent Et Quarante is very interested in medieval natural theology. He includes commentaries on the works Basil, Origen, Augustine. These writers all support the doctrine of creation and divine providence. There are many passages that echo these arguments. The book contains many references to biblical scripture and other interpretive details.

This is one the most helpful books I have ever seen on natural theology. Trent Et Quarante provides a concise and clear explanation of this important topic. This guide is a great resource for anyone who wants the faith to be protected.

Joseph cornell-levine (eds. A Manual for Creating Christian Knowledge. The First Book in the New Series. Copyright (c), 2005 Joseph T. Trent. All rights reserved.