In the latter part of the 20th century, the predominant understanding of God has been based on the doctrine of the Trinity, a community of three persons who work in perfect unity and harmony. At the same time, some evangelicals are upholding the idea of male headship by arguing for the eternal subordination of the Son to the Father. How to interpret the Scriptures on this matter has been the foundational issue. This article examines the views of the New Testament, modalism, subordinationism, Athanasius' reply to the Arians, the Cappadocian Fathers, Augustine and his heirs, John Calvin, and some 20th century thinkers. Rather than supporting the permanent subordination of women in the church and the home, the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity suggests exactly the opposite. The article also deals with the oft quoted texts that do suggest the Son is subordinate to the Father (John 14:28, 1Co 11:3, 1Co 15:28).

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CHRISTIANS FOR BIBLICAL EQUALITY
Priscilla Papers
Volume 18:3, Summer 2004
10 pages