Notes

Review of Trent Et Quarante: Natural Theology
Trent Et Quarante is the origin of the term Trent. It is a delightful treatise about biblical naturalism in origination of its title. 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. Et Quarante argues, through this book, that grace is a work for free will and faith is a job for predestination. We choose to believe the way we will.

The book's main part consists of three chapters that are divided into three parts. Each section deals with one or more of the three main theologies of original sin, grace or merit. Parts 1 through 3 focus primarily on the doctrine of original sin. This book contains a number insightful conversations between contributors. Some of these conversations are surprisingly honest about how they relate religious belief to their daily lives. Some of the conversations are surprisingly poignant given the subject matter.

Parts two through three focus primarily on the doctrine 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's more to merit than just this. We must also remember that we are saved not because we have committed sins but because we have been born in the likeness and image of God. Our union with God is the only thing that matters. This is Et Quarante's metaphysics on original sin and the heart of his message. He presents salvation as a mystery, and it is difficult to understand.

In another interesting story, Et Quarante relates the story of David and Bathsheba, the daughters of Absorption. David had rejected the offering of Bathsheba, the daughter of Esdragel, for divorce because of her unfaithfulness to him. David was so in love with Bathsheba that he was willing to marry her, but it was for purity reasons. He wanted to undo all the damage he had done. David could not consummate their marriage because of the metaphysics of original sin. He was bound by God's commandments and the Law of Moses.

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's own interest in medieval natural theology is evident in the fact that he includes several commentaries on the works of Basil, Origen, and Augustine. All these writers uphold the doctrine of creation as well as divine providence, and there are several passages that echo the arguments of these authors. The book includes many references and details to biblical scripture.

This book on natural theology is among the most useful I have ever read. Trent Et Quarante provides a concise and clear explanation of this important topic. This guide will be a valuable resource for anyone looking to defend the faith.

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.
Here's my website: