Theological vs scriptural arguments for (e.g.) the divinity of Christ

[Vanellus]

I have an impression that arguments for (for instance) the divinity of Christ are usually made by referring to individual Bible passages. But for a creedal author like Athanasius arguments were also based on an understanding of transcendence and the overall Bible message e.g

And again, if, as we have said before, the Son is not such by participation, but, while all things originated have by participation the grace of God, He is the Father's Wisdom and Word of which all things partake , it follows that He, being the deifying and enlightening power of the Father, in which all things are deified and quickened, is not alien in essence from the Father, but coessential. For by partaking of Him, we partake of the Father; because that the Word is the Father's own. Whence, if He was Himself too from participation, and not from the Father His essential Godhead and Image, He would not deify , being deified Himself. For it is not possible that He, who merely possesses from participation, should impart of that partaking to others, since what He has is not His own, but the Giver's; and what He has received, is barely the grace sufficient for Himself.

from para 51 CHURCH FATHERS: De Synodis (Athanasius)

Do we tend to ignore this kind of argument in preference of detailed examination of individual texts?

 

[timothyu]

Are you saying they used God to built the human institution rather than change themselves and model the institution on the Kingdom/governance of God?

 

[Clare73]

I have an impression that arguments for (for instance) the divinity of Christ are usually made by referring to individual Bible passages. But for a creedal author like Athanasius arguments were also based on an understanding of transcendence and the overall Bible message e.g


from para 51 CHURCH FATHERS: De Synodis (Athanasius)

Do we tend to ignore this kind of argument in preference of detailed examination of individual texts?

He is simply applying ontology to God.

Not sure what the context is, or why that particular point is an issue.

 

[Vanellus]

Are you saying they used God to built the human institution rather than change themselves and model the institution on the Kingdom/governance of God?

No