In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Yes that says that the Son is God, BUT and this is a HUGE BUT, Chronologically children are younger than their parents. How can the Son be eternal if he is younger than the Father? Are any of you the same age as any of your parents?
Where does that verse address the chronology issue?
Listen is the seminary you are involved in, is it like one of those correspondence schools, or did you find it on the back of a matchbook?
You’re thinking in earthly terms. Perhaps you should draw upon the Greek you claim you know. That would help you understand this. Actually reading all of John would be of benefit to you.
Applying human criteria to God is NEVER going to work.
God explained it in the simplest terms we have within our comprehension to give us some kind of an idea of Himself.
It's impossible for the finite, human, mortal mind to comprehend the infinite, immortal God.
Only God can understand God. nothing else in all creation will ever be able to do that, even for all eternity.
If your acceptance of Jesus is going to be based on your criteria of proof that nobody can ever meet, then give it up now and go out and eat, drink, and be merry.
God's given you the best He has, His Son, Jesus, who died for your sins that if, you turn to Him, He will save you.
But He's not going to dance to your tune. If you really want a reason to reject Him, you've set up enough to give you what you think is an excuse.
But it's not going to hold water when you stand before Him and try to hold Him responsible for where you end up.