Christ Condemned: On the Incarnation and the Trinity

by Julian Gress

"Christ Condemned" is a critical examination of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity. These doctrines are proven from the absolute necessity practical reason has for a solution to the problem of sin. This is inspired by the work of Immanuel Kant. As Kant proved that the existence of God is a necessary postulate of practical reason, to persevere in one's duty, so also the Incarnation and the Trinity are necessary to repent, to turn from sin to righteousness.

These doctrines are illuminated in twelve propositions. Each proposition is first proven by reason, then by Scripture. The Scripture proofs not only demonstrate the doctrine itself, but also the reason for its truth. The proofs are followed by a comment explicating the concept under consideration in that proposition. Each concept is explained, first logically, then theoretically, practically, and aesthetically, and finally, theologically. Thus the whole system of reason is expounded from fundamental concepts.

The first section of the work explains the nature of God. It begins with the practical proof of God's existence, propounded by Immanuel Kant, and developed by the author. God is here defined as an inwardly lawful being, righteous, blessed, and holy. It then shows that although there is only one God, who is invisible, yet he has appeared to us in Jesus Christ, through the execution of diverse judgments upon him. This harmony of judgments is necessary to make possible a transition from sin to righteousness.

The second section explicates the judgments themselves. Christ is righteous, therefore innocent, but he is also condemned, though he is righteous. And because he is righteous under condemnation, he has a righteousness outside the law, which is divine. Jesus Christ is therefore both God and man.

The third section explicates the objective condition of each judgment; these are the divine persons who perform manifold judgments upon Jesus Christ. One person cannot hold several conflicting judgments, therefore there must be three divine persons for three divine judgments. Christ cannot lawfully condemn himself, but the Father only condemns the Son, not for any sin committed by Christ, but solely for the glory of the Father, that men might know the divine persons. Likewise, Christ submits himself to the condemnation of the Father through his nonlegal righteousness; and the Holy Spirit justifies Christ in his submission to the condemnation of the Father. The judgments executed upon Christ, which are necessary for our salvation, are therefore lawful through three divine persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and without them, no one can be saved.

The fourth section explains how it is possible to distinguish the three divine persons within the divine nature. This is possible through the modalities. The Father's condemnation is conceived of as possible, and he is the righteousness of God. The Son's nonlegal righteousness, on the other hand, is actual, visible to us in his submission to death, and he is the blessedness of God. And the justification of the Holy Spirit is necessary, distinguished by feeling, and the Spirit is the holiness of God.

The book ends with a proof of the logical coherence of the doctrines of the Incarnation and the Trinity, followed by a discussion of their objective coherence. Of peculiar interest is the new "ontotrinitarian" proof, which demonstrates the absolute necessity of God's existence from the concept of God as a Trinity.

The last section of the book discusses the method of revealed theology. This includes discussions on the structure of the system of reason, on the kind of knowledge received through revelation, on the practical application of the doctrine, and its history.

This is a deep, challenging book, but those who put in the effort will reap the reward: a better understanding of the Triune God, revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ, whereby the soul is edified.

Genres: Nonfiction

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2019

About the author

Julian Gress is a graduate of St. John's College, Santa Fe, NM, from Seattle, WA. He teaches high school math and science.

Reviews

[Alicia Marsland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very scholarly

I wanted to read this book because frankly, the condemnation going on in this country has distressed me And made me think of the treatment of Christ. I am also very interested in anything people have to say on the incarnation. However, I have to admit that I barely understood 1 sentence in 10. The reason for this is use of familiar words in unfamiliar ways like the term 'intuition', which was partially explained as thinking of non-thought which I kind of found intriguing. This is doesn't mean that the book was a complete disappointment, because it made me think a lot of really interesting things, though not necessarily what the author was trying to say, just interesting ideas. In any case, it's a book for philosophers with a Kantian background, not me. It did strike me as odd That the author was arguing the existence of God to already convicted Christians because nobody else would even have the slightest interest in what he was saying, at least in the way he was saying it.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a college degree, but it is not a religious theology. So I found this book although well researched and explained in-depth very hard to read without drifting off into my own daydreams. I wanted to read this because I do feel it is open season on Christians in general and being a Christian I was interested to see what the author had to say. This is made up of mostly theory, The meaning of the scripture and someone’s well worded opinion. I think this would benefit the clergy and those who teach religious studies, as they are they would get the most out of it and it is more their speed than mine. Having said that I gave the book four stars, Due to the great great research and as I mention as I said the book was well worded but dense and it’s explanations and I don’t think a book for the every day reader. I received this book from authors X.3 and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Niger Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will benefit pastors and students of philosophy or theology

Thought provoking. I appreciate that the author attempts to prove the Incarnation and the Trinity. I can’t imagine the research that went into this book and he writes in an easy to read book.

Thank you

[Tomm A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

I enjoyed reading this book. It was very detailed and the referenced scriptures supported and validated many of its statements.

[Shelby Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a clear and concise work going into detail on the nature of Christ and Trinitarian doctrine, both theologically and philosophically. I appreciated the layout and outline system; it was easy to follow, and the author conveyed each concept and point effectively while building his argument asserting Christ’s deity.
I recommend this for all students of theology and theistic philosophy.

[J Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a disclaimer that I received this book as a gift from the author.

Christ Condemned is a deep examination of Christian doctrine that combines theological teaching with philosophical analysis inspired by German philosopher Immanuel Kant. If that sounds like heavy subject matter, it is. This book is not light reading. It is probably best suited for academics and students already familiar with Kant and the foundations of Christian belief.

That being said, it is also a very well-written book. Mr. Gress approaches his subject matter in a systematic, carefully considered manner and clearly spells out his thesis and propositions. His writing style can be very dense at times, so you will probably find yourself frequently re-reading passages to get a grasp of what he is saying. Patience is needed with this book. However, reading it is also very rewarding if you enjoy challenging yourself, examining your beliefs, and growing a few new grey cells in your cranium. Like I said, it's not light reading, but it can be worthwhile.