In a previous question in which I asked for evidence of early Christians denying the divinity of Jesus, a user posted an answer that, among other things, presents sixteen very interesting syllogistic arguments against the divinity of Jesus. The arguments are very simple and easy to read, so I thought that it would be a good idea to ask a single question introducing the sixteen arguments and let trinitarians respond to them (in a rational manner, of course). Are there any flaws in these arguments that should make us question their validity and/or soundness?
The sixteen arguments are listed below:
Argument #1
- The Father is the only true God (John 17:1,3)
- Jesus is not the Father (John 17:1,3)
- Therefore, Jesus is not the true God
Argument #2
- There is no God besides the Father (Isa. 64:8,4)
- Jesus is not the Father (borrowed from previous argument, and generally accepted)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #3
- Man is not God (Ezek. 28:2)
- Jesus is man (John 8:40)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #4
- God is spirit (John 4:24)
- Jesus is not a spirit (Luke 24:39)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #5
- God never wearies (Isa. 40:28)
- Jesus was weary (John 4:6)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #6
- God never sleeps (Ps. 121:3-4)
- Jesus slept (Matt. 8:24)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #7
- God never dies (I Tim. 1:17)
- Jesus died (Mark 15:37)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #8
- God knows everything (I John 3:20)
- Jesus does not know everything (Mark 13:26, 32)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #9
- God would not acknowledge another as God (Isa. 46:9)
- Jesus acknowledges the Father as God (John 20:17)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #10
- God has natural (inherent) authority (Job 34:13)
- Jesus has acquired authority (Matt. 28:18)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #11
- God has natural holiness (Lev. 19:2)
- Jesus has acquired holiness (John 10:36)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #12
- God has natural lordship (Ps. 100:3)
- Jesus has acquired lordship (Acts 2:36)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #13
- God has natural power (Gen. 17:1)
- Jesus has acquired power (Acts 10:38)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #14
- God has natural judgeship (Gen. 18:25)
- Jesus has acquired judgeship (Acts 10:42)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #15
- God has natural saviorhood (Isa. 45:21)
- Jesus has acquired saviorhood (Acts 5:31)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God
Argument #16
- God is OVER ALL (I Cor. 15:27-28)
- Jesus is UNDER God (I Cor. 15:27-28)
- Therefore, Jesus is not God