Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung: What Does Filioque Mean?
Released on March 11, 2025
In this enlightening episode of Doctrine Matters, Kevin DeYoung delves deep into the theological intricacies of the Filioque clause, a term pivotal to understanding the historical and doctrinal rift between the Eastern and Western Churches. DeYoung not only unpacks the meaning of Filioque but also explores its broader implications within Trinitarian theology, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of this complex topic.
1. Introduction to Trinitarian Mysteries
Kevin DeYoung opens the episode by acknowledging the profound mysteries inherent in Christian doctrine, particularly the Trinity. He references Francis Turreton's assertion that the doctrines of the Trinity and Christ's two natures are among the most challenging in theology (00:05).
“We are dealing with mysteries here. But remember, a mystery is something that there are elements to it that belong to God.”
— Kevin DeYoung [00:05]
DeYoung emphasizes that while these doctrines are mysterious, theologians have developed precise vocabulary over centuries to articulate these divine truths effectively.
2. Understanding Filioque
At the heart of the episode is the Filioque—a Latin term meaning "and the Son." DeYoung explains that this clause was added to the Nicene Creed, stating that the Holy Spirit "proceeds from the Father and the Son" (00:05).
“Filioque is Latin for and the son.”
— Kevin DeYoung [00:05]
He clarifies that the original Creed, formulated in Constantinople in 381, did not include Filioque. The Western Church's later addition of this term ignited significant theological debates and contributed to the eventual split between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity.
3. Historical Context and the East-West Schism
DeYoung outlines the multifaceted reasons behind the East-West Schism, highlighting that while Filioque was a significant factor, other elements like geography, church polity, and political tensions also played crucial roles (00:05).
He explains that the Western Church likely incorporated Filioque without the intention of creating division, possibly due to existing liturgical practices and translation nuances. However, the Eastern Church perceived this addition as an unauthorized alteration of the Creed, leading to deep-seated theological disagreements.
4. Theological Implications and Arguments
Delving into the theological reasoning, DeYoung presents the Western perspective supporting the inclusion of Filioque:
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Biblical Foundation: He cites John 16:7, where Jesus mentions the Holy Spirit being sent by the Father and the Son, suggesting an eternal procession (00:05).
“1 the Holy Spirit is sent from the Father and the son, John 16:7.”
— Kevin DeYoung [00:05] -
Eternal Procession: The mission of the Spirit in time reflects its eternal procession, aligning with the West's theological stance.
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Spirit as the Spirit of Christ: DeYoung argues that since the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of Christ, it logically proceeds from Christ eternally, not just temporally.
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Biblical Implications: He references books like John 15:26 and John 16 to support the idea of the Spirit’s procession from both the Father and the Son (00:05).
DeYoung acknowledges the Eastern Church's concerns that Filioque could imply dual sources within the Trinity, potentially undermining the Father's primacy. However, he maintains that the Western addition seeks to safeguard the full divinity of the Son, especially in the context of combating Arianism—a belief that denied Christ's full divinity.
“The Spirit does not proceed from the Father and the Son as if they were two separate principles...”
— Kevin DeYoung [00:05]
He further explains that the notion of "proceeds" in Filioque is not about authority or rank but about the relational origin within the Trinity.
5. Exploring Related Trinitarian Terms
Beyond Filioque, DeYoung introduces listeners to other essential Trinitarian concepts, namely Parichoresis and Taxis, elucidating their roles in understanding the Trinity's internal dynamics.
a. Parichoresis: Mutual Indwelling
Parichoresis, derived from the Greek word meaning "mutual indwelling," describes the intimate and perpetual interpenetration of the Trinity's Persons.
“Parichoresis reminds us that the Father indwells the Son, the Son indwells the Spirit, the Spirit indwells the Father.”
— Kevin DeYoung [00:05]
DeYoung warns against oversimplified analogies, such as envisioning the Trinity as three separate entities dancing together. Instead, Parichoresis emphasizes that the three Persons are fully in one another without merging or blending.
“...they circulate in one and another, yet without merging, without blending, without confusion.”
— Kevin DeYoung [00:05]
He cites Augustine to reinforce this concept:
“Each are in each, and all, in each, and each in all, and all are one.”
— Augustine (as referenced by Kevin DeYoung) [00:05]
b. Taxis: Order Within the Trinity
Taxis, meaning "order," refers to the relational hierarchy within the Trinity, not in terms of essence or divinity, but concerning roles and functions.
DeYoung clarifies that this order does not imply subordination in power or essence but denotes the relational framework of the Trinity's operations.
“Taxis is the Greek word for order. In trinitarian theology, taxis is not meant to suggest a hierarchy of persons, but an order of relations...”
— Kevin DeYoung [00:05]
He discusses historical theological debates, emphasizing that proper understanding of Taxis honors the unity and equality of the Trinity while acknowledging distinct relational roles.
“They are distinguished ad extra, that is by their mode of operating, by their workings.”
— Kevin DeYoung [00:05]
6. Conclusion: Theological Harmony and Unity
In wrapping up, DeYoung reiterates the significance of these theological terms in fostering a coherent and unified understanding of the Trinity. He underscores that doctrines like Filioque, Parichoresis, and Taxis are not mere academic exercises but foundational truths that shape Christian theology and worship.
“...the Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. And that means our theology is according to the Word and our worship by the Spirit are always connected.”
— Kevin DeYoung [00:05]
DeYoung encourages listeners to embrace the depth and beauty of these doctrines, promoting a theology that is both historically grounded and biblically faithful.
Final Thoughts
Kevin DeYoung masterfully navigates the complexities of the Filioque clause and its related Trinitarian doctrines, providing listeners with clear explanations and thoughtful insights. By bridging historical context with theological analysis, DeYoung offers a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of foundational Christian beliefs.
For further exploration of these doctrines, DeYoung recommends his year-long mini systematic theology book, Daily Doctrine, available through Crossway.
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