Date of Award
Spring 2008
Document Type
Dissertation - Restricted
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Theology
First Advisor
Carey, Patrick W.
Second Advisor
Schultenover, David
Third Advisor
Wriedt, Markus
Abstract
In recent years, a noticeable increase of scholarly interest in trinitarian theology has emerged. Within this body of scholarship a kind of subdiscipline has developed that pays particular attention to the various examinations of the doctrine within particular historical contexts. Although this has been a welcomed addition to the already extensive work being produced on this most important of Christian doctrines, a noticeable absence of scholarship on the status of this doctrine in nineteenth century America continues to exist. This lacuna is particularly notable given that in the first half of that century New England witnessed an energetic debate over the place of the doctrine of the Trinity in Christian theology. Unitarian assaults on theological orthodoxy increasingly took on as their focus of attack the traditional interpretation of the relationship between God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In pamphlets, sermons and letters, Reformed theologians and pastors defended the doctrine against an increasingly rationalistic and literalist rendering of the Scriptures and tradition. Although better known as the scholar responsible for introducing biblical criticism into the American theological curriculum, Moses Stuart stands out as perhaps this era's most devoted defender of the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity. This said, his contributions as a scholar and defender of trinitarian orthodoxy have been largely overlooked and underappreciated...