I don't like the word "trinity." Is it necessary to use such a word in a vain attempt to finitely describe an infinite God? I agree that there is one, true God. I understand that his nature is revealed and carried out in different ways. Biblically God is described as a Father. The man-version of God is Jesus described as Son. The indwelling presence, helper-version of God is described as Spirit. While all such labels are distinctive and aim to clarify the person of God I do not believe that we must insist on terminology that quantifies the infinitely perfect and overly sufficient nature of God. The label causes confusion and does not fit into our modern, scientific systems of description. Why can we not accept God for who he is without containing him to what our minds can capture? Are we simply not creative enough? Do we simply not trust?
Matthew 5:38-48, NASB
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
4 comments:
EN NOMINE PATRIS ET FILII ET SPIRITU SANCTI
AMEN
Hey Travis,
Just a quick thought on the Trinity: Even if we didn't refer to God in form of the Trinity, people/churches would still view God in a variety of different ways (most of them are individual aspects of the Trinity). Some denominations see only Christ, some primarily see the Father, and still other focus mainly on the Holy Spirit.
There are other denominations that like to ignore one aspect of the Trinity (usually the Holy Spirit); but rare is the church that has a strong understanding and equal admiration for all three.
It seems as though you're presupposing that an inexplainable God is to be explained in "modern, scientific systems of description." Did I miss something here?
Personally, I'm cool with the concept of the Trinity. It makes all the Jehovah's Witnesses who come to my door angry.
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