Trinity Panel Wrap-Up - Part 2

[Editor's Note: Today is the second and final part of a report on the Trinity and Gender panel discussion held last week at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Part I is available here. The audio of the panel discussion is available for download here.]

Gender Debate

A correct understanding of the Trinity has implications for the home and the church, both theologians pointed out. Ware said that within manhood and womanhood we see equality of essence, but differentiation of roles, as evidenced in the Godhead.

According to Ware, the implication of the complementarian position of the Trinity is that roles and relationships are marked by authority and submission.

"It would only make sense that in creating man and woman in his image, God is creating them within a structure of authority and submission," Ware said, "We see Paul correlating these things, in 1 Corinthians 11:3, by grounding all other relationships of headship and submission with the ultimate relationship of the Father and the Son."

"It is just as Godlike to submit with joy and gladness to rightful authority, as it is Godlike to exert wise and beneficial, rightful authority. And this does not simply apply to male/female relationships. This applies to any relationship where authority and submission are being played out."

Pastoral Implications

Allison encouraged pastors to teach doctrine of the Trinity within their local congregations. Allison said he is surprised how few students have heard messages on this prior to coming to seminary.

"God has given us adequate revelation and we are morally bound to teach and preach what God has revealed. This has implications for the home and the order of the church," he said.