THEO 525_ Final Research Paper
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
525
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
19
Uploaded by mar07shai
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
The Trinity
Submitted to Dr. Larry McDonald
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
THEO 525-D01
Systematic Theology I
by
Marshai Taylor-Aulton
December 12, 2023
Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………… 2 Historical Background of the Doctrine of the Trinity…..………………..……………
.....
3 Explanation of the Trinity…………………………….…………….…………….………5
Critique of the Trinity…………………………………………………………………
....
10
The View of the Trinity from the Old and New Testament Perspective…...…………….12
Contemporary Challenges in the Church…………………………………………...……14
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………..15
Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………...17
Thesis
1
The Trinity is a Christian stance as monotheistic that comes with a position of believing that the Godhead is seen as a single entity with a shared core, while encompassing well-defined responsibilities and assignments. Introduction
To begin, as the reader of this paper may not know what the term “doctrine”
is defined as, this section will give a brief depiction of what doctrine means in the Christian theology study.
The term Doctrine
, according to Walter Elwell, in his book Entry for Doctrine: Evangelical Dictionary of Theology,
is defined as an “act of teaching or that which is taught…Christianity is a religion founded on a message of good news rooted in the significance of the life of Jesus Christ. In scripture, then, doctrine refers to the entire body of essential theological truths that define and describe that message.”
1
There have been many illustrations that are commonly utilized to aid in depicting the doctrine of the Trinity, despite the inherent challenge of fully illuminating this concept. One example is in James Boice’ book “Foundations of the Christian Faith: A Comprehensive and Readable Theology”, where he gives an illustration that references light, heat, and air. He highlights the distinct nature of these three elements, each following its unique laws and being subject to individual study.
2
Applied to a human hand, light facilitates visibility, heat is situated between the fingers, and air envelops it. The presence of all three elements is essential for the existence of a hand, illustrating their distinct yet interconnected nature. This illustration aligns with biblical parallels, where the Bible represents God as light (1 John 1:5), heat (Hebrews 12:29), and air (John 3:8). Essentially, the doctrine of the Trinity affirms the existence of one 1
Elwell, Walter A. "Entry for 'Doctrine'". "Evangelical Dictionary of Theology". 1997.
2
James Montgomery Boice, Foundations of the Christian Faith: A Comprehensive & Readable Theology (Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2019), 111-112.
2
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
God who eternally manifests as three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Historical Background of the Doctrine of the Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity is a foundational concept in Christian theology that encloses the complex understanding of God as a triune being: The Father, The Son, and Holy Spirit. These
interrelated roles and unity serve as the main ingredient for comprehending the nature of God, the redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within the Christian faith. When delving into the historical origins of the doctrine of the Trinity, one cannot overlook the pivotal figure of Tertullian. Tertullian was known as a Roman lawyer and an early convert to Christianity. Tertullian employed his legal sharp-wittedness to articulate a captivating defense of the Trinity in his renowned treatise "Against Praxus.
" This work, a response to critics challenging the oneness of God, marked a significant milestone as the first piece of literature to introduce the term “Trinity”, thereby providing a contextual framework for understanding the Godhead. The influence of Tertullian's doctrinal contribution extended to the Council of Nicaea, assembled by Constantine to establish doctrinal uniformity amid theological controversies. Contrary to a common misconception, the council's goal was not to create the doctrine of the deity of Christ, but to discern and attest what the scriptures proclaimed about Christ, aiming to distinguish truth from the prevalent heresies that plagued the post-apostolic era. Following the apostles' passing, the early Christian community wrestled with questions about the identity of Christ—was He merely human or the incarnation of God in flesh? Among the lies that spread throughout the 2nd century church was “Jesus being all God and only appearing to be human, this heresy is referred to as docetism. This is an example of an error that led the empire to want a 3
general understanding of what the Bible said about Christ.” 3
The uprise of heresies, such as docetism, which asserted that Jesus only appeared human but was entirely divine, emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of Christ's nature. The Council of Nicaea played a crucial role in addressing these doctrinal disagreements and establishing a foundation for Orthodox Christian belief. Additionally, the influence of Judaism on the early Christian church and its leaders cannot be overstated. During the Second Temple Period, there was a recognition of a collection of significant Jewish writings that paved the way for a canon. “By the end of the Second Temple Period there was already an acknowledgement of a collection of important books in Judaism that paved the way for a canon. As early as the prologue to the Greek translation of Ecclesiasticus in the second century bce, one could speak of ‘the Law, the prophets and other writings’, words prefiguring the rabbinic division of the Hebrew Bible. It is likely that Christians had respect for the Jewish ‘scriptures’ (1 Cor. 15:3–4), as much as Jews had. R. Aqiba is said to have called the Song of Songs ‘The holy of holies’ (m.Yadayim 3.5), indicating deep respect for even those writings that do not fall under the categories of ‘Law’ or ‘Prophets.”
4
Hostility towards Christianity was matched by treatment of the Samaritans (cf. Targum Ps.-Jonathan on Genesis 35), an opposition that would have been exacerbated by the Samaritan religious revival in the fourth century (MacDonald 1964: 36–40). One aspect of their polemic is found in the Eighteen Benedictions, where the twelfth benediction contains a curse on heretics (minim). This has been shown to be intimately connected with the theme of redemption in the prayer and the desire for a unified, pure nation (Horbury 1998a: 8). It is disputed when this 3
http://faculty.washington.edu/ewebb/heresies.htm
4
Esler, P.F. (Ed.). (2017). The Early Christian World (2nd ed.). Routledge, 86. 4
denunciation of heretics was actually James K. Aitken, 88 applied to Christians (the medieval Palestinian, but not the Babylonian, manuscripts actually name the ‘notzerim’), opinions ranging over centuries, but the mood and content is fitting for Judaism as early as the first century. Horbury indicates that by the time of Justin Martyr in the second century,] Christians were probably envisaged (1998b: 306). Certainly, a spirit of exclusivism and opposition to heretics or sinners was a part of Judaism from the time of the rise of Christianity, and with messianic hopes and longing for redemption it was natural for Christianity to adopt a similar ethos”
5
In essence, the historical trajectory of the doctrine of the Trinity intertwines together the groundwork and contributions of Tertullian, the deliberations of the Council of Nicaea, and the contextual influence of Judaism, shaping the foundational beliefs that continue to define orthodox Christian theology.
Explanation of the Trinity The Father
Kevin Giles, in his book Jesus and the Father states, “God the Father has always been the Father and has always related to the Son as a father relates to his son. The [divine] Father has greater authority. He has a leadership role among all members of the Trinity that the Son and the Holy Spirit do not have. Bruce Ware similarly states, “clearly a central part of the notion of the father is that of fatherly authority. This indicates, he says, that within the immanent Trinity there is an eternal relationship of authority and obedience. The father has authority over the son.”
6
Understanding God as a Father, who is all knowing, and has full knowledge of every 5
Ibid., 87
6
Giles, Kevin N.. Jesus and the Father : Modern Evangelicals Reinvent the Doctrine of the Trinity
. Grand Rapids: HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 2006, 179.
5
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
individual’s end from their beginning as stated in Isaiah 46:10, can be challenging for believers. The struggle often arises from the tendency to equate personal achievements, such as income, status, or housing, with individual efforts rather than acknowledging God's role in each aspect of their lives. This difficulty in full surrenderance and submission to God as a Father may stem from disappointments experienced through flawed examples of fatherhood, stewardship, and authority figures in one's life. Such negative experiences can lead individuals to project human flaws onto God, fostering resentment and rebellion. Additionally, some believers struggle with accepting the notion that God, in all His omnipotence, embodies love, compassion, concern, and grace. To comprehend God as Father comprehensively, individuals must surpass surface-level engagement with Scripture. Rather than limiting themselves to a verse a day “to keep the devil away”, a deeper exploration and breakdown of the Word during study time is crucial. Seeking the
guidance of the Holy Spirit becomes essential, asking for revelation and a fresh perspective on the Word. This intentional, immersive study approach allows believers to unravel the multifaceted nature of God's fatherhood. Furthermore, establishing a connection with God involves more than intellectual pursuits; it requires moments of communion and rest in His presence. Basking in the simplicity of a child resting on a parent's lap, believers must learn to "just be" in God's presence. Over time, this intentional resting and communing with God promotes trust, comfort, and a natural willingness to acknowledge that God has their best interests at heart. This is a transformative process where the understanding of God as a loving and caring Father is solidified through personal experience and revelation. The journey to comprehend God as Father involves digging and pulling away preconceived notions, overcoming
negative experiences, delving into scripture with depth and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance, and cultivating a relational stance of restful communion in His presence. As Christians 6
embrace this multifaceted approach, the trust, comfort, and willingness to rest in the assurance that God has their best interests at heart gradually become ingrained in their spiritual journey.
The Son
Jesus, often recognized as a brother, the king of kings, the savior of the world, the prince of peace, and the redeemer, embodies a multifaceted identity that extends beyond these titles. While acknowledging His various roles, it is crucial to grasp His fundamental position as a son, serving and exemplifying a model of stewardship and the ideal representation of a child of God. As Jesus walked the earth, his mission was to symbolize what sacrifice, love, servanthood, and brotherhood represented as a son of God. Even from His early years, Jesus recognized His uniqueness and God's plan for His life, understanding that His journey required patience and an evolving process of maturity. As Jesus developed, discovering and honing His abilities to heal, deliver, and disciple others, He steadily demonstrated a heartfelt submission to God as His Father. Unlike a self-willed individual, Jesus did not drift away from God's plan, did not proclaim His own authority, and did not rebel even when faced with the daunting task of sacrificing Himself for the sins of the world. He was indeed human and experienced temptation, but remembered who He was as a son and embraced the strength to overcome that His father gave Him. Remarkably, while experiencing persecution and death for the very people He was dying to save, Jesus, as a son, displayed vulnerability. In the garden of Gethsemane, He wept and
pleaded with God, expressing His human emotions. Jesus, despite His divine nature, experienced
temptation and heartaches in alignment with His purpose, assignment, and calling.
Furthermore, what sets Jesus apart is His unwavering posture and response in moments of
testing and challenges. Consistently, He returned to His Creator, His Father, seeking answers and
comfort through questions and prayer. He pursued God with the entirety of His being, exemplifying submission and trust, even in the face of adversity. The unique relationship between Jesus and God the Father emphasizes the importance of submission, trust, and continual 7
communion, illustrating that it is acceptable—even necessary—to ask God questions. In contrast to some traditional views that discourage questioning God, Jesus Himself questioned the Lord when confronted with the reality of His impending crucifixion. He asked the Lord to remove the cup from Him, as stated in (Luke 22: 42-44), meaning within His flesh, he struggled with going through with the assignment of being crucified. In spite of his feelings and emotions, he made a decision to be obedient to God for the sanctification, salvation, and purification of all of humanity.
Understanding one's identity as sons and daughters of God is imperative for Christians all
across the globe. This paradigm shift encourages believers to recognize that God comprehends and knows all aspects of their lives, and it is permissible to engage in a dialogue with Him and to
seek further understanding and clarity. While certain denominational perspectives may discourage questioning God, the example set by Jesus demonstrates that having questions and being vulnerable can coexist with unwavering faith and submission. Jesus' resolute journey to the
cross was fueled by His unshakeable confidence in His Father. The heart of God as the Father is depicted as desiring a relationship with each individual, one where His omnipotence is balanced with a genuine desire to witness His children have victory and live abundant lives. Embracing this perspective transforms the Christian experience, fostering a deepened connection with the Father and reinforcing the belief that, ultimately, God's plans, though sometimes painful, unfold for eternal understanding and purpose.
The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is considered as a cherished companion, a guiding force, and an advocate
through making intercession on behalf of believers. Gordon Smith, in his book "Welcome Holy Spirit: A Theological and Experiential Introduction
," states “The Spirit is an advocate who comes alongside, but John also speaks of the Spirit as one who lives in us, abiding in us (John 14:17)... if the vision of John 15:4 is to be made complete - abiding in Christ as Christ abides in 8
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
us - it will be as we respond to the ministry of the Holy Spirit.”
7
Additionally, Jesus, aware of His impending crucifixion and redemptive mission, promised to leave a comforter—the Spirit of God, who imparts peace. To experience the peace of God, one must extend an invitation to the Holy Spirit as an advocate and indweller, emphasizing the importance of every believer being baptized with the Holy Spirit. Jeff Leake and George Wood, in their book "Power For Life: Why Every Believer Needs to Be Baptized in the Holy Spirit
," assert “for those who believe in Jesus, that initial moment of Holy Spirit infusion is not the end of His work in our lives; it’s just the beginning… Ephesians 5:18, be filled with the Spirit, actually reads like this in the original Greek: “Be being (constantly and continually) filled with the Holy Spirit. If we pursue the will of
God, we will seek to bring our lives under the constant and continuous infilling of the Holy Spirit.”
8
The initial infusion of the Holy Spirit is merely the commencement of His work in believers’ lives. The authors draw attention to Ephesians 5:18, which in the original Greek urges believers to be constantly and continually filled with the Holy Spirit. The pursuit of God's will necessitates seeking the Holy Spirit, highlighting the transformative and continuous nature of this experience. Without the Holy Spirit, minds can wander, anxiety can prevail, and impulsive, unwise decisions can occur due to a lack of reliance on the Spirit's guidance and wisdom. For example, the global pandemic that affected millions revealed the struggles of those unfamiliar with Jesus and His Spirit. Many felt emptiness and loneliness as their identity and resources, rooted in materialism, were disrupted. Layoffs and financial losses drove some to alcohol, suicide, depression, and anxiety. Even among Christians, some who had never doubted their faith, found themselves questioning God in the face of personal losses. The Spirit, in such instances, articulates words that individuals are unable to express in moments of hurt, brokenness, and speechlessness. Intimacy and fellowship with the Holy Spirit become crucial, providing believers
7
Smith, Gordon T.. Welcome, Holy Spirit : A Theological and Experiential Introduction
. Westmont: InterVarsity Press, 2021, 35.
8
Leake, Jeff. Po
wer For Life : Why Every Believer Needs to Be Baptized in the Holy Spirit
. Ashland: Gospel Publishing House, 2017. ProQuest Ebook Central.
9
with unwavering faith during challenging seasons, knowing that the Spirit intercedes on their behalf, offering comfort and embracing them in times of distress.
Critiques of the Trinity
A focal concern of modalists was to affirm the simultaneous oneness of God depicted in the Old Testament and the full deity of Jesus Christ revealed in the New Testament.
9
Their appeal
rested particularly on passages from Deuteronomy and Isaiah in the Old Testament, as well as on the writings of John and Paul in the New Testament. The theological construct of the Trinity, declaring one God in three persons, has encountered criticism throughout history, with certain critiques centered on the challenge of harmonizing the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus Christ's full deity with the oneness of God depicted in the Old Testament.
One line of criticism posits that the theology of the Trinity represents a development surpassing the monotheistic framework of the Old Testament. Critics argue that the Old Testament underscores God's unity without explicitly referencing His triune nature, contending that the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as divine undermines Judaism's rigid monotheism. Another critical perspective questions the logical coherence of the Trinity, with skeptics finding the concept of a triune God inherently paradoxical and illogical. They raise inquiries about how three distinct persons can each be fully God while maintaining separate individual identities.
Cults such as Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses often challenge Christians to substantiate the doctrine of the Trinity using specific scripture passages, seemingly asserting that the doctrine is inconsequential to grasping the gospel. However, the most compelling proof of the Trinity lies in the fact that Christ and His apostles never directly sought to prove the doctrine;
instead, they assumed God’s triunity as the backdrop of the entire New Testament. Whether contemplating Christ’s baptism (Matt. 3:13–19), the baptism of believers (Matt. 28:19), the work
9
David K. Bernard, “The Development of Modalism in Early Church History.” Journal of Early Christian History 9, no. 3 (2019): 70–84.
10
of forgiveness/redemption.salvation (Heb. 9:28; 1 Peter 3:18), God’s eternal plan (Eph. 1:3–14), the doctrine of the church (Eph. 4:1–10), or God’s blessing upon His people (2 Cor. 13:14), the authors of the New Testament continuously depict Christian faith and life intertwined in triunity as the unifying thread throughout the New Testament. Upon unraveling its teachings, the doctrine
of the Trinity becomes fundamental to comprehending them. To explore the historical context of these theological debates, one must delve into the significant councils held in 325 AD and 451 AD. These councils were convened in response to doctrinal disputes triggered by varying interpretations of scripture, aiming to resolve conflicts and shape the Christian church. The Nicene and Athanasian creeds, born out of these councils, stand as significant formulations in affirming the doctrine of the Trinity.
10
Yet, the challenges to the Trinity persist, and one criticism suggests that the doctrine represents a departure from the monotheistic essence of the Old Testament. Detractors argue that the Old Testament emphasizes God's unity without explicitly acknowledging His triune nature, asserting that the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as divine challenges the strict monotheism within Judaism. Another line of criticism questions the logical coherence of the Trinity, positing that the idea of a triune God is inherently paradoxical and illogical. Skeptics wonder how three distinct persons can each be fully God while maintaining separate individual identities.
In the face of these critiques, it is essential to acknowledge the Trinity's significance within the New Testament. While cults may challenge Christians to prove the doctrine from specific passages, the foundational nature of the Trinity becomes evident in the absence of direct proofs by Christ and His apostles. Whether examining Christ’s baptism, the baptism of believers,
the work of redemption, God’s eternal plan, the doctrine of the church, or God’s blessing upon His people, the consistent thread throughout the New Testament is the description of Christian faith and life in triunity. Unraveling the teachings of the New Testament reveals that the doctrine of the Trinity is woven into the fabric of Christian understanding and belief.
10
Ryan M.McGraw. Is the Trinity Practical?, Reformation Heritage Books, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central, 11
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
In conclusion, the theological debates surrounding the Trinity have deep historical roots, with modalists striving to reconcile the oneness of God across the Old and New Testaments. Criticisms against the Trinity persist, challenging its coherence with the monotheistic essence of the Old Testament and raising questions about its logical consistency. However, the New Testament itself, woven with threads of triunity, serves as the most compelling proof of the Trinity, with Christ and His apostles assuming its truth as foundational to Christian faith and life. The doctrinal formulations from historical councils underscore the rigorous theological contemplation that shaped the understanding of the Trinity. Ultimately, the Trinity remains a foundational and intricate concept within Christian theology, inviting ongoing exploration and contemplation.
The View of the Trinity from the Old and New Testament Perspective
To attain a comprehensive understanding of the profound and extensively debated doctrine of the Trinity and its defense against perspectives of polytheism, one must delve into its historical context. As early as 325 AD and again in 451 AD, doctrinal disputes prompted the gathering of universal and ecumenical councils within the church. These assemblies aimed to resolve issues arising from varying interpretations of scripture and played a key part in molding the Christian church, highlighting significant formulations such as the Nicene and Athanasian creeds. The term "dogma" finds its origin in the Latin word "dokeo," meaning to think. As emphasized by Cairns, the dogmas and doctrines formulated during this period resulted from rigorous theological contemplation and the meticulous examination of both scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers to accurately interpret the meaning of the Scriptures.
11
The Christian belief in the Trinity, foundational and emphasizing monotheism over polytheism, is evident in both the Old and New Testaments. Herman Bavinck notes that the Old 11
Earle E Cairns, Christianity through the Centuries (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1980), 126
12
Testament provides glimpses and foundational elements of the Trinity. However, in Apocryphal literature and Philo's writings, the clarity of this doctrine becomes obscured by layers of pagan speculation. The New Testament distinctly reveals the doctrine of the Trinity, unfolding the intricate relationships among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In Genesis 1:26, the concept of the Trinity is embodied as it states, “Then God said, 'let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Through the use of "us" and "our likeness," these words distinctly reveal the presence of the Trinity during the act of creating humanity. The Old Testament abounds with evidence affirming the presence of the Trinity, reinforcing a monotheistic perspective rather than a polytheistic one.
12
It is crucial to comprehend and acknowledge one of the significant names of God in the Old Testament: Jehovah, an English representation of the Hebrew word YHWH, pronounced as Yahweh.
13
Yahweh serves as a direct reference to God, the singular and true deity.
If the reader studies the book of Exodus, within chapter 3 the reader will observe an incident where Yahweh shows himself to Moses through a burning bush in the wilderness. From the burning bush, a voice calls out, prompting Moses to draw near to it. Exodus 3:2 identifies the Angel of the LORD (likely referred to as Yahweh in the original text), as God Himself. While some may argue that some scriptures imply the presence of an angel as a divine messenger, a closer examination reveals that it is, indeed, Yahweh the Lord communicating with Moses. In verse 6, Moses is instructed to remove his shoes, to demonstrate acknowledgement of the holy ground he is standing on in Yahweh's presence. When God requests for Moses to confront Pharaoh and seek the release of the Israelites, Moses seeks clarification on the messenger’s identity. In response, God declares in verses 13-16, "I Am has sent you." The original form of 12
Stephen R Holmes et al., Two Views on the Doctrine of the Trinity (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 69
13
William D Mounce, The Morphology of Biblical Greek (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994), 27.
13
this title, "I AM," was Yahweh—a name so sacred that Jews refrained from writing it, using YHWH instead. (Exodus 3:13-16). The name Yahweh, or "I AM," conveys the idea of self-
existence and eternality, emphasizing that God has always existed.
14
This name holds importance
in affirming the monotheistic perspective of Christianity, a concept further referenced by Jesus Himself in the New Testament.
Contemporary Challenges in the Church Imagine meeting someone, establishing a relationship, and eventually facing a challenging obstacle where you need help. However, when this person offers assistance, you decline because their perspective seems questionable or their solution appears unreal. Many believers today find themselves in a similar situation—acknowledging God's existence and deity but not experiencing Him fully as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (One Being). This results in a superficial relationship and limited intimacy. Additionally, due to diverse faith traditions, denominations, ethnic groups, and societal sectors, certain spiritual leaders and ministries operate
without the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This is often because they don't fully embrace the Trinity, or they reduce the Holy Spirit to mere emotional or physical sensations in church, lacking the understanding that the Holy Spirit is a distinct being who can walk with them, intercede on their behalf, and guide them throughout their lives.
Across generations, individuals are navigating confusion and disagreement regarding the order of church services, the appearance of youth and young adult ministries, social media marketing for church events, and the teaching of the word of God. This stems from a lack of personal intimate time with God, comprehending Him as a Father, a Savior, the Holy Spirit, a teacher, a corrector, and more. Generational gaps often arise, with older believers sometimes 14
Millard J Erickson, Christian Theology, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 309.
14
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
resisting the need for additional gatherings, small groups, Bible studies, or events. Their perspective is rooted in the belief that "there is nothing new under the sun," assuming the experiences of youth and young adults mirror their own from years past. Yet, a close relationship with God reveals His desire to do a new thing in each individual, using diverse methods, age groups, and strategies to share and execute the gospel globally. For instance, Circuit Riders, a missionary ministry in California operates a ministry training school that focuses on equipping the next generation with practical skills and spiritual gifts to impact ministries, college campuses,
and communities.
15
Implementing training programs and spaces for discipleship cultivation in churches could prevent many from leaving the church after going to college or becoming adults making independent decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gaining an overall understanding through the historical context of the Trinity and then having the ability to articulate it through biblical perspective is important in this season where God seeks to bring forth new expressions of His heart and who He is within His church and throughout the world. God, in the role of a compassionate father, is deeply moved when witnessing His children turning away and rejecting their true identity. Similar to the Council of Nicaea, the people of God must choose to yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as their teacher. This decision not only facilitates effective communication about the Trinity but also
enhances comprehension of other intricate theological topics. Theological interpretations often falter when humans attempt to understand the Word of God without divine guidance. The subject
of the Holy Trinity highlights areas where God wants for His people to seek His assistance. He serves as both a Father and a Savior, while also taking on the role of a Helper, though it is vital to
15
https://circuitriders.com/
15
remember that God transcends human comprehension. The concept of the oneness of God, studied throughout a lifetime, is graciously presented by God to help humanity grasp His immense greatness within the framework of the Trinity. Lastly, the doctrine of the Trinity aligns harmoniously with the Scriptures, as it reflects the understanding that one God has revealed Himself in three distinct persons.
Bibliography
Beeley, Christopher A., and Mark E. Weedman. The Bible and Early Trinitarian Theology
. Edited by Christopher A. Beeley and Mark E. Weedman. Washington, D.C: Catholic 16
University of America Press, 2018.
Budiash, David Rohrer. “Fundamental Theology for the Trinity: Karl Rahner’s Contribution.” The heythrop journal.
57, no. 6 (2016): 917–934.
Bosserman, B. A. (Brant A.). The Trinity and the Vindication of Christian Paradox an Interpretation and Refinement of the Theological Apologetic of Cornelius Van Til
. Cambridge, U.K: James Clarke & Co., 2015.
Conner J. Kevin, New Covenant Realities
, KJC Publishing, 1990
Conner J. Kevin, The Foundations of Christian Doctrine- A Practical Guide to Christian Belief. City Christian Publishing, 1989.
DeFord, R. Andrew. The Triune God and the Doctrine of the Covenant : Answering Unitarian Objections to the Doctrine of the Trinity
. United States: [publisher not identified], 2018. Earle E Cairns, Christianity through the Centuries (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1980)
East, Brad. “What Is the Doctrine of the Trinity For? Practicality and Projection in Robert Jenson’s Theology.” Modern theology.
33, no. 3 (2017): 414–433.
Elwell, Walter A. "Entry for 'Doctrine'". "Evangelical Dictionary of Theology". . 1997.
Esler, P.F. (Ed.). (2017). The Early Christian World (2nd ed.). https://doi-
org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.4324/9781315165837
Giles, Kevin N.. Jesus and the Father : Modern Evangelicals Reinvent the Doctrine of the Trinity
. Grand Rapids: HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 2006
Hillar, Marian. From Logos to Trinity : the Evolution of Religious Beliefs from Pythagoras to Tertullian
. Cambridge ;: Cambridge University Press, 2012.
Holmes, Stephen R., and Stephen R. Holmes. The Quest for the Trinity : the Doctrine of God in Scripture, History and Modernity
. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 2012.
James Montgomery Boice, Foundations of the Christian Faith: A Comprehensive & Readable Theology (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2019
Jedwab, Joseph and Keller, John A. (2019) "Paraphrase and the Doctrine of the Trinity," Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers
: Vol. 36: Iss. 2, Article 2. DOI: 10.5840/faithphil201951122. Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti. Christian Understandings of the Trinity the Historical Trajectory
. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2017.
Kombo, James Henry Owino. Theological Models of the Doctrine of the Trinity The Trinity, 17
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Diversity and Theological Hermeneutics
. Carlisle, Cumbria, UK: Langham Creative Projects, 2016.
https://place.asburyseminary.edu/faithandphilosophy/vol36/iss2/2
Leake, Jeff. Power For Life : Why Every Believer Needs to Be Baptized in the Holy Spirit
. Ashland: Gospel Publishing House, 2017. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Millard J Erickson, Christian Theology, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013)
Miller, Daniel. “The Doctrine of the Trinity and Christian Environmental Action.” New Blackfriars.
94, no. 1049 (2013)
Morrison, Glenn. “A Brief History of the Doctrine of the Trinity in the Early Church. By Franz Dunzl.” The heythrop journal.
52, no. 5 (2011)
Phan, Peter C. The Cambridge Companion to the Trinity
. Cambridge ;: Cambridge University Press, 2011.
Ryan M.McGraw. Is the Trinity Practical?, Reformation Heritage Books, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Smith, Gordon T.. Welcome, Holy Spirit : A Theological and Experiential Introduction
. Westmont: InterVarsity Press, 2021
Sonderegger, Katherine. Systematic Theology. Volume 2, The Doctrine of the Holy Trinity Processions and Persons
. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2020.
Stephen R Holmes et al., Two Views on the Doctrine of the Trinity (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014)
Studebaker, Steven M., and Robert W. Caldwell. The Trinitarian Theology of Jonathan Edwards : Text, Context, and Application
. Farnham, Surrey, England ;: Ashgate, 2012.
Systematic Theology for the New Apostolic Reformation- Harold R. Eberle
God Chasers- Tommy Teney
Webb, Eugene. In Search of the Triune God : the Christian Paths of East and West
. Columbia, Missouri: University of Missouri Press, 2014.
William D Mounce, The Morphology of Biblical Greek (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994)
18