Christianity: The Trinity

Is Christianity monotheistic or polytheistic?

Christianity is monotheistic and believes in 1 God, but the trinity refers to 3 manifestations of God- 1 is the Son, 1 is the Father, 1 is the Holy Spirit

Give Biblical evidence for the Trinity

• Matthew 28:19 references the 3 distinct ‘persons’ of the trinity

• John 1:1 refers to the roles of the trinity ‘members’

Give Biblical evidence against the trinity and criticise it

Deuteronomy 6:4- emphasises there only being 1 God (trinity doesn’t claim otherwise)

What is the criticism of the argument that the trinity is not biblical?

The trinity is not mentioned by name but instead is referenced in teachings- original Hebrew in Genesis 1 referring to God is plural.

How is relation used to understand the trinity?

The trinity is understood through relationships and roles between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, characterised by love and unity.

How is analogy used to understand the trinity?

Analogies are used to make the trinity understandable, for example the egg analogy where the father is the yolk, the son is the white and the holy spirit is the shell.

Give the main 3 strength of modern views on the trinity?

• Rationalise the trinity making it accessible for everyone

• Highlight unity and diversity within Godhead

• Enriches theological understanding

Give the overall weakness of modern views of the trinity

Modern views like analogy tend to oversimplify the trinity, risking heresy or misunderstanding. As St. Augustine said, “if you understand it it is not God.”

How does the trinity impact Christian life (3 ways)?

• Deepens Christians relationship with God

• Enhances worship practises

• Fosters community within the church

How is the trinity significant for Christians?

Trinity is central to Christian doctrine, influences nearly all other doctrine of salvation or nature of God, central to human-God relationship.

Outline Karl Barth’s view of the Trinity

Called it “One God in 3 modes of being” rather than 3 persons to avoid misunderstanding of 3 separate beings. Said the trinity was important to understanding God’s revelation and action.

Outline Rahner’s view of the trinity?

Thought the economic and immanent trinities were the same, recentring trinitarian theology around history of salvation.

What is the economic trinity?

God’s actions in history, salvation etc…

What is the immanent trinity?

God’s eternal nature.