Theology 1 BBST 251 - Quiz 5

Polytheism

Belief in many gods, each finite and often with conflicting powers and domains.

Monotheism

Belief in one God, overarching and infinite, as seen in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Unitarian monotheism

Belief in one God as a single person or being (Islam, Judaism).

Trinitarian monotheism

Christian belief in one God who exists as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; they united in essence.

How does Trinitarian Monotheism fit and not fit with the biblical idea that God is love?

Trinitarian Monotheism aligns with "God is love" because the interpersonal relationships within the Trinity embody self-giving love.

How does Unitarian Monotheism fit and not fit with the biblical idea that God is love?

Unitarian Monotheism may struggle to inherently describe God as love without external relationships

How does Polytheism fit and not fit with the biblical idea that God is love?

Polytheism lacks the unity and eternal love demonstrated in the trinity.

Is Trinity the Unanimous Christian Teaching?

Yes. Trinity has been affirmed by historic Christian orthodoxy, though interpretations and understandings have varied over time.

Explain how Triune Persons are equal in power, eternal, and inseparable

Each person is fully divine without hierarchy or division.

Explain how Triune Persons are simultaneous in existence

The three exist together eternally, not in sequential modes.

Explain how Triune Persons are operate by interpersonal relationship

Their unity involves distinct roles but collaborative actions.

Explain how Triune Persons live in each other.

A mutual indwelling emphasizes inseparable unity.

How does the characteristics of Trinity compares to Modalism

Modalism misrepresents the Trinity by claiming God is one person manifesting in different modes at different times, denying simultaneous existence and interpersonal relationships.

How does the characteristics of Trinity compares to Tritheism (e.g. Mormonism)

Tritheism treats the three persons as separate gods, rejecting their essential unity as one.

How does the pattern of the names point to the concept of plurality?

The distinct naming of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit demonstrates that God exists as three persons, not as a single person acting in different roles or modes (avoiding Modalism).

How does the pattern of the names point to the concept of Equality?

Each person is listed without hierarchy, implying equal divinity and full participation in the divine essence, avoiding the error of subordinationism.

How does the pattern of the names point to the concept of Unity?

The singular actions or relationships attributed to the three persons (creation, salvation, etc.) reflect their inseparable and unified essence as the one God.

What are examples of Trinity Collaboration in Creation?

The Father initiates, the Son (Word) executes, and the Spirit empowers.

What are examples of Trinity Collaboration in Salvation?

The Father plans, the Son accomplishes, and the Spirit applie salvation.

Which of the trinitarian persons live in a Christian?

All three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit dwell in believers.

What is Modalism and why does it not fit with biblical teaching about God?

Modalism denies the relational distinction and simultaneous existence of the Trinity, contradicting passages that shows interaction between the Father, Son, and Spirit.

Why does the New Testament uses the word "God" primarily for the Father?

The New Testament often uses God for the Father to emphasize His role within the Trinity, without excluding the divinity of the Son or Spirit.

How does Equilateral Triangle work for different aspects of teaching the trinity, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of these analogies of the trinity?

Equilateral Triangle reflects equality and unity but lacks the personal dimension.

How does Bank Account work for different aspects of teaching the trinity, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of these analogies of the trinity?

Bank Account emphasizes shared authority but implies a lack of individuality.

How does Water work for different aspects of teaching the trinity, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of these analogies of the trinity?

Water states illustrates forms but risks Modalism by denying simuultaneous existence.

How does Three-leaf Clover work for different aspects of teaching the trinity, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of these analogies of the trinity?

Three-leaf Clover highlights unity but simplifies the persons.

How does Family work for different aspects of teaching the trinity, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of these analogies of the trinity?

Family campturess relational love but risks tritheistic implications. Because family consists of separate and individual members who are distinct in being and will.

How does Human Psychology work for different aspects of teaching the trinity, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of these analogies of the trinity?

Human Psychology reflects interpersonal aspects but oversimplifies divine nature. Which aligns more closely with Modalism.