Pilgrim,

My intent in writing this was to engage your own thoughts, beliefs and understandings, on the question “Who is God?”

I have recently been reading the pros and cons to whether or not the Lord is a Trinity, or even should be defined as such. As well as considering how much the ‘construct’ of a Trinity explanation colors our very words and understanding of something so very important.

Speaking from my own familiarity with the Triangle or the 3 overlapping circles by way of diagram, even to explain what I was told as a child is beyond comprehension... the ‘mystery of the Trinity.’ I listen to my Catholic brother speak of ‘God the Father’ and ‘God the Son’ and ‘God the Holy Spirit.’... and a myriad of other words of others... that represent to each ‘Who is God.’

I’m suggesting of course, that it matters. I’m suggesting that using the word ‘Trinity’ as an explanation of God’s essence has consequences on our view of the Lord-ship of Christ. And even, if... as I’m sure you have pondered the concept of the proper philosophical way to explain the Trinity... it is an ADDED construct/doctrine.

And still... even if you are sure that your view of the God-head does not in anyway diminish your understanding of the deity of Jesus, I’m bringing up the word ‘Trinity’ if it is a word in your vocabulary for your consideration. The word has a history, and allows the setup to get to this statement “He who denies the Son, does not even have the Father.” As I stated previously... the Trinity allows for one to defend the Dispensationalist view. Without the Trinity there couldn’t be a Dispensationalist view. That’s one fruit.

My own belief is that I’m sticking with the Word on ‘who God is.’ And with all of the quotes that might be pulled out to defend EVEN the use of the word, ‘trinity’ as explanation... I’m not going to use it, because Paul didn’t, for one.

For those who believe in the value of the councils and the doctrines of men... over the Word of God, to help better understand God’s lack of a good explanation... well, I can point to a myriad of them... including Vatican II. That may be a ‘can of worms’ statement, but Jesus Christ is the Final Authority, as far as I’m concerned.... and the Holy Spirit in the revealed Word.

So I ask what does the word ‘Trinity’ or the trinity explanation add to this:
"He that has seen me, has seen the father" (John 14:9)"