The
subordination of the Logos
The principle underlying the
Subordination of the Logos to the Deity is indicated clearly by the statement that
it is “By His (God’s) simple will” that the Logos “springs forth” to become the
“Firstborn Work.” But also in various other passages the Logos is shown to be
subject to the Divine Will, e.g., He is begotten by the Father; in imitation of
the Father He creates man; and in entering upon creative work in general He is undoubtedly
fulfilling the Father’s will. In fact, the while relationship of Logos to the
Father is suggestive of the secondary position of the former.
HIS GENERATION IMPLIES
SUBORDINATION
Again, the fact that Logos is “brought
into being” to be an individual also indicates His subordination. This aspect
of Subordination Tatian illustrates by the metaphor of many fires lit from one
torch. Though each of the fires be identical in essence with the blaze of the
torch, and even though each be self-subsistent, the fact of their derivation
from the torch constitutes them secondary thereto. Likewise the Logos, identical
in essence with the Father, is subordinate in an economic sense, since HE was
prolated by the will and initiative of a senior Divine Person. Another, though
minor, indication of the secondary divine rank of the Logos may be discerned in
certain references to Christ which presumably imply the identity of the Logos
with Him.
BUT HIS SUBORDINATION ECONOMIC
Though the Subordination of the
Logos is everywhere assumed, Tatian does not express his views thereon in so
explicit terms nor in so much detail as does Justin. However, sufficient is
stated to establish the theory, and further, to make it clear that the
secondary character of the Logos relates only to His functions and activities
in the universe, and not to His essential nature. (V. A. Spence Little, The
Christology of the Apologists [London: Duckworth, 1934], 190-91)