The Trinity: What is it and Why do we need it?

Comment

Comment by Ray Carsjens on May 12, 2009 at 10:15am

Though we can never equate God by a mathimatical problem I think for a small comprehensive meaning we could almost safly say GOD is not 1+1+1=3 but is more like 1X1X1=1 RC Scrolls

Comment by Carl Gobelman on September 19, 2008 at 2:46pm

Greetings,

I'm a new member of this group, and since I've been a few "brawls" regarding this topic, I figured I might as well join the group...

Comment by Harry on September 2, 2008 at 12:19am

I think that the best way to get a grip on the Holy Spirit is to read Luther's Explanation of The Small Catechism:
The First Commandment
[God]
You shall have no other gods.
What does this mean?
We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
19. Who is the only true God?
The only true God is the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct
persons in one divine being (the Holy Trinity).
44 Num. 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and
be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
45 Deut. 6:4 Hear, 0 Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
46 Matt. 28:19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
47 1 Cor. 8:4 There is no God but one.
48 2 Cor. 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of
the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Bible narrative: At His Baptism Jesus stood in the Jordan, the Father spoke from heaven, and
the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove (Matt. 3:16-17).
Here is a link: http://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/LCMS/explanation.pdf

Comment by Apolojedi (Daniel Eaton) on July 9, 2008 at 11:08am

ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!!
This topic is a hot one. As long as it is productive, it can continue. At this point though, I am becoming convinced that it is producing more heat than light. The purpose of the site is to discuss theology, not convince someone of your own, no matter how correct you believe it to be or how strongly you hold the opinion. As wrong as I personally believe the non-Trinitarian viewpoint to be, I have no problem with people expressing it and will be the first to tell you that I don't believe I (or anyone else) has it fully figured out.

It is important to see the basis for all sides of the Trinity discussion. But when those expressing it and/or those defending the orthodox view stop being students and everyone becomes the teacher, we quickly go from discussion to argument. That is not what this site is about. We are all students here. We are here to learn different viewpoints from different people. Consider it "opposition research" if you will. But when any person on the site drops that attitude and takes on one of "guardian of the truth", they have not followed the Rules of Engagement. There is a time and place for that, but this isn't it. Discussion will come to a screeching halt when it becomes acceptable for the loudest people or majority of people to condemn those with an opposing interpretation or worldview.

If you feel very personally and very strongly about a topic and cannot discuss it in an objective manner than follows the Rules of Engagement, it is probably best that you not get involved in the topic. The moderators have received complaints about the attitudes expressed on this topic from both participants as well as observers. To let it go unchecked is to allow this site to become something for which it was not intended. I will not allow that. So, consider this a warning. Discuss the topic objectively, irenically, and dispassionately....or not at all.
Daniel Eaton
Head Moderator

Comment by Jennifer on July 6, 2008 at 2:02am

Thanks for the invitation

Comment by Arthur Thompson on July 5, 2008 at 12:38pm

Thank you for the invitation. This should be interesting.