Patterson in Pursuit Ep. 112 - The Historical Novelty of the Trinity | Dr. Jared Ortiz
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Sep 14, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Dr. Jared Ortiz, a Professor of religion at Hope College and founder of the St. Benedict Institute, dives deep into the marvels of the Trinity. He uncovers the historical significance of the Council of Nicaea and the theological debates surrounding it. The complexities of divine mystery and human comprehension take center stage as Ortiz highlights the challenges faced in articulating these concepts. Their conversation illuminates how early church discussions shaped the nature of Christ and the implications for modern faith.
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Why Nicaea Tightened Christology
- Nicaea expanded baptismal formulas to counter Arius and tightened language about the Son's relation to the Father.
- The council inserted 'begotten, not made' and consubstantial language to exclude Arian subordinationism.
Begotten Means Shared Divine Nature
- 'Begotten, not made' reframes dependence to mean shared divine nature rather than temporal origination.
- Ortiz explains begetting as passing on nature, preserving eternality rather than implying a beginning in time.
Philosophy Alone Doesn't Yield Trinity
- Classical philosophical arguments for a single self-existent principle can't by themselves yield the Trinity.
- Ortiz argues revelation and biblical categories (distinction and equality) are necessary to capture Trinitarian claims.