Understanding the Trinity: Processions and Analogies

Eternal Processions

Son is eternally begotten; Spirit proceeds from both.

Temporal Missions

Son and Spirit sent for salvation in time.

Gregory of Nazianzus

Names reflect relationships within the Trinity.

Augustine's Analogy

Mind, knowledge, and love illustrate the Trinity.

Aquinas' Contribution

Word from intellect; Love from both Father and Son.

Christ's Baptism

All three persons appear distinctly yet unified.

Trinity's Unity

Trinity acts as one, revealed uniquely.

Augustine's Human Analogy

Memory, Understanding, Will represent Trinity's relations.

Memory (Father)

Foundation of thought in Augustine's analogy.

Understanding (Son)

Word formed from memory in Augustine's analogy.

Will/Love (Holy Spirit)

Love unites the Father and Son.

Two Processions

Son from Father as Word; Spirit from both as Love.

Aquinas on Processions

Explains Trinity as one God in three persons.

Incarnation

Jesus sent into the world for salvation.