Integrity Syndicate | Unitarian Interpretations of John 1 - Part 1 Open Stream @IntegritySyndicate | Uploaded December 2021 | Updated October 2024, 17 hours ago.
Open Discussion on the different Unitarian interpretations of John 1.
Yes there are several Unitarian interpretations of John 1 with respect to "the Word" and context ("beginning") of verse 1.
There are Several Unitarian interpretations of John 1. The unitarian options have to do with resolving abstractions within the prologue but have no bearing on our core Theology and Christology. The various interpretations is on account of abstract language and ambiguities in the prologue. With each view, there is some rational basis as to the specific interpretation
The Unitarian options establish that there are a many logical solutions to John 1 that don't involve a literal preexistent person (distinct from the Father) that is fully God or divine.
Because John 1 is not explicit, it shouldn't be used as a proof text to substantiate a literal incarnation or trinitarian dogma.
Whatever your Unitarian interpretation is, it doesn't change our core fundamentals of our Unitarian understanding of the doctrine of Christ (Christology) and of God (Theology). We should acknowledge there are differences among us and agree to disagree when these differences don't play a significant impact on our core Biblical Unitarian doctrine. When addressing difficult passages we should acknowledge, “Not all unitarian Christians have the same interpretation on this passage.” It is best to describe the different views first and then explain your personal view and why you believe it to be so.
See my article for an example of how we should frame the discussion on John 1
How do Unitarians understand John 1?
https://wayofchrist.faith/how-do-unitarians-understand-john-1/
Unitarian Interpretations of John 1:1...
1. “It” - That is, the Word (logos) is an abstract (metaphysical) concept (thing) pertaining to an aspect of God (His words, thoughts, wisdom reasoning, plan, purpose, wisdom, ect.). A hypostatization. Verse 1 pertains to the Genesis creation - Josiah / Anthony Buzzard / (James DG Dunn).
2. “It” - That is, the Word (logos) is an abstract (metaphysical) concept (thing) pertaining to an aspect of God (His words, thoughts, wisdom reasoning, plan, purpose, wisdom, ect.). A hypostatization. Verse 1 pertains to the beginning of the ministry - REV translators
3. The Word is literally God's speech (not a plan or an idea). Verse 1 is a general statement probably referring to Genesis but not necessary referring to a specific beginning. - L.J. Thriepland
4. The Word is the personification of Wisdom (Wisdom Christology): a "he." Verse 1 pertains to the Genesis creation - Dale Tuggy / Dustin Smith / Nathaniel Lardner
5. The Word is Jesus in a direct sense and verse 1 pertains to the beginning of the ministry - Andrew Perry / Bill Schlegel / Socinian
6. The Word is Jesus in a direct sense (same Logos as 5) but verse 1 pertains to the new creation/post resurrection - Tony Jones AKA Rivers O Feden
7. The Word is a synonym for the Holy Spirit, an it or he (God's Spirit pertains to God), and verse 1 pertains to the Genesis creation.
8. The Word is a synonym for the Holy Spirit, an it or he (God's Spirit pertains to God), and verse 1 pertains to the beginning of the ministry.
9. The Word is a personification of a manifestation of God; the Logos and verse 1 pertains to the Genesis creation - Andrew Griffin
Josiah's analysis on John 1:
understandinglogos.com – The true meaning of the Word in the prologue of John
integritysyndicate.com – For the restoration of 1st century Apostolic Christianity
Integrity Syndicate Discord Server: discord.gg/znw8vKp7yk
Biblical Unitarian Sites (Integrity Syndicate)
trueunitarian.com - The foundations of Biblical Unitarianism
#IntegritySyndicate
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Open Discussion on the different Unitarian interpretations of John 1.
Yes there are several Unitarian interpretations of John 1 with respect to "the Word" and context ("beginning") of verse 1.
There are Several Unitarian interpretations of John 1. The unitarian options have to do with resolving abstractions within the prologue but have no bearing on our core Theology and Christology. The various interpretations is on account of abstract language and ambiguities in the prologue. With each view, there is some rational basis as to the specific interpretation
The Unitarian options establish that there are a many logical solutions to John 1 that don't involve a literal preexistent person (distinct from the Father) that is fully God or divine.
Because John 1 is not explicit, it shouldn't be used as a proof text to substantiate a literal incarnation or trinitarian dogma.
Whatever your Unitarian interpretation is, it doesn't change our core fundamentals of our Unitarian understanding of the doctrine of Christ (Christology) and of God (Theology). We should acknowledge there are differences among us and agree to disagree when these differences don't play a significant impact on our core Biblical Unitarian doctrine. When addressing difficult passages we should acknowledge, “Not all unitarian Christians have the same interpretation on this passage.” It is best to describe the different views first and then explain your personal view and why you believe it to be so.
See my article for an example of how we should frame the discussion on John 1
How do Unitarians understand John 1?
https://wayofchrist.faith/how-do-unitarians-understand-john-1/
Unitarian Interpretations of John 1:1...
1. “It” - That is, the Word (logos) is an abstract (metaphysical) concept (thing) pertaining to an aspect of God (His words, thoughts, wisdom reasoning, plan, purpose, wisdom, ect.). A hypostatization. Verse 1 pertains to the Genesis creation - Josiah / Anthony Buzzard / (James DG Dunn).
2. “It” - That is, the Word (logos) is an abstract (metaphysical) concept (thing) pertaining to an aspect of God (His words, thoughts, wisdom reasoning, plan, purpose, wisdom, ect.). A hypostatization. Verse 1 pertains to the beginning of the ministry - REV translators
3. The Word is literally God's speech (not a plan or an idea). Verse 1 is a general statement probably referring to Genesis but not necessary referring to a specific beginning. - L.J. Thriepland
4. The Word is the personification of Wisdom (Wisdom Christology): a "he." Verse 1 pertains to the Genesis creation - Dale Tuggy / Dustin Smith / Nathaniel Lardner
5. The Word is Jesus in a direct sense and verse 1 pertains to the beginning of the ministry - Andrew Perry / Bill Schlegel / Socinian
6. The Word is Jesus in a direct sense (same Logos as 5) but verse 1 pertains to the new creation/post resurrection - Tony Jones AKA Rivers O Feden
7. The Word is a synonym for the Holy Spirit, an it or he (God's Spirit pertains to God), and verse 1 pertains to the Genesis creation.
8. The Word is a synonym for the Holy Spirit, an it or he (God's Spirit pertains to God), and verse 1 pertains to the beginning of the ministry.
9. The Word is a personification of a manifestation of God; the Logos and verse 1 pertains to the Genesis creation - Andrew Griffin
Josiah's analysis on John 1:
understandinglogos.com – The true meaning of the Word in the prologue of John
integritysyndicate.com – For the restoration of 1st century Apostolic Christianity
Integrity Syndicate Discord Server: discord.gg/znw8vKp7yk
Biblical Unitarian Sites (Integrity Syndicate)
trueunitarian.com - The foundations of Biblical Unitarianism
#IntegritySyndicate
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
