3.8 Trinity and God's love

St Augustine's Understanding of the Trinity

• Summary: St Augustine, a fourth-century theologian, explained the Trinity in relation to love. He believed love requires three elements:

  • Lover (Father),

  • Beloved (Son),

  • Love itself (Holy Spirit).

• Key Concept: The Father loves the Son, the Son loves the Father, and the Holy Spirit is the love that binds them together.

  • Quote: "True love is: a trinity of lover, beloved, and the love that binds them together into one" - St Augustine.

• Significance: The Holy Spirit shares this divine love with all people, pouring it into believers' hearts and lives, which helps them understand the nature of God.

Catherine LaCugna's Understanding of the Trinity

• Summary: Catherine LaCugna, a twentieth-century theologian, focused on how the Trinity is revealed to humanity.

  • Father: Begets the Son, but the Son has always been part of God and eternally comes from the Father.

  • Holy Spirit: Is the love that eternally unites the Father and Son.

• Key Concept: This eternal love flows outward into the world, guiding believers and leading all creation back to God.

• Significance: Through the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the process of redemption brings people back into a relationship with God, fulfilling the purpose of creation.