Activity

Trent Et Quarante is the origin of the term Trent. It is a delightful treatise about biblical naturalism in origination of its title. The book is a response against the naturalism espoused by the Reformation and seventeenth century church fathers who rejected the doctrine of instant salvation 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 through three deal primarily with the doctrine about original sin. This section of the book includes a number of insightful conversations between its contributors. Some of them are quite candid about how they reconcile religious belief with their daily practice. Some of the conversations are surprisingly poignant given the subject matter.

Parts two through three deal primarily with the doctrine of merit. Et Quarante makes a compelling argument against the idea that original sin exists. He claims that those who hold this view are misunderstanding what it means. According to Et Quarante and his co-writers, John Locke, etc., the idea of merit comes from the doctrine of original sin. Locke’s belief that original sin unites people with all the negative consequences of their actions is obvious. According to Et Qarante and his coauthors, if one follows Locke’s view on merit, one will inevitably be a sinner by end of one’s life.

Et Quarante however points out that there are more merits than this. It is important to remember that we are not saved because of our sins. We are saved because we were made in the image and likeness God. Our union with God is the only thing that matters. This is Et Quarante’s metaphysics of original Sin and the core of his message. This is how he presents salvation as something that is mysterious and difficult to comprehend.

Et Quarante also tells the story of David, Bathsheba and the Absorption daughters. David had rejected the proposal of Bathsheba the daughter of Esdragel for divorce because she was unfaithful. Bathsheba was so beautiful that David was ready to marry her but for reasons of purity, which was why he chose to marry her to undo the damage he had done. David was bound by the Law of Moses as well as the commandments of God because of the metaphysics of original Sin, making it impossible to consummate their marriage.

Et Quarante draws heavily upon the work of Robert Edward Grant, Hugh Walker and Anthony Coady to explain this philosophy of merit/demerit. However, he admits that he owes a debt to earlier 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 of these writers defend the doctrines of creation as well divine providence. There are several passages which 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 presents a clear and concise explanation of this important subject. This guide is a great resource for anyone who wants the faith to be protected.

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