Trinitarianism - The Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit
The Trinity is one of the hardest concepts to wrap our minds around. Yet, this doctrin is the litmus test for Christianity?
Agree with it and you are a Christian. Disagree and you are disagreeing with the understanding of almost 2,000 years of Christian leaders, scholars and lay people.
Why does it matter? Because, it goes to the heart of who God is and what He is like. The fact that the God of Christianity exists in a trinitarian unity means that he has community and relationship within his very nature. This impacts the doctrine and heart practices of Christians. If God is first and foremost One (as in Islam) then God is not approachable by humanity. Thus, in Islam you see a God who is not merciful to a sinner, but primarily "just" and executing justice. His followers become focused on protecting God's justice against infidels and sinners.
Christianity is focused on 'love" (when it correctly teaches and acts like Jesus). God is love because He has love within Himself from before time began. God created mankind in His image (made for relationships). God, in love, forgave our sins by exhibiting his love in the ultimate act of self-sacrifice and humility. His love has saved us, and thus we are motivated to behave like Him. Because He did this, we have a model for merciful, grace filled relationships as we restore our fellow man and creation to His perfect intention. Through our relationship with His Holy Spirit we are recreated (born-again) and empowered (spirit baptized and filled) to live lives of love.
So, you see, the Trinity is THE central doctrine that makes Christianity the ultimate religion of love (when understood and practices, which is all too rare among Christians and in Church history).
Agree with it and you are a Christian. Disagree and you are disagreeing with the understanding of almost 2,000 years of Christian leaders, scholars and lay people.
Why does it matter? Because, it goes to the heart of who God is and what He is like. The fact that the God of Christianity exists in a trinitarian unity means that he has community and relationship within his very nature. This impacts the doctrine and heart practices of Christians. If God is first and foremost One (as in Islam) then God is not approachable by humanity. Thus, in Islam you see a God who is not merciful to a sinner, but primarily "just" and executing justice. His followers become focused on protecting God's justice against infidels and sinners.
Christianity is focused on 'love" (when it correctly teaches and acts like Jesus). God is love because He has love within Himself from before time began. God created mankind in His image (made for relationships). God, in love, forgave our sins by exhibiting his love in the ultimate act of self-sacrifice and humility. His love has saved us, and thus we are motivated to behave like Him. Because He did this, we have a model for merciful, grace filled relationships as we restore our fellow man and creation to His perfect intention. Through our relationship with His Holy Spirit we are recreated (born-again) and empowered (spirit baptized and filled) to live lives of love.
So, you see, the Trinity is THE central doctrine that makes Christianity the ultimate religion of love (when understood and practices, which is all too rare among Christians and in Church history).
Class 1
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