Thredj and all,

I apologize for bringing up this topic... but I have to say why I did. I am not going for arrogance as desired result... Nor do I discount the work of the Holy Spirit throughout believers.

As a former Catholic, I don’t hold organized religion in high regard. And the most profound work of the Holy Spirit, among believers, in history has always been getting nearer to the actual Gospel... and organized religion always manages to do the opposite.

I disagree that it is not consider-worthy to look at the history of such a doctrine. That it was added. I disagree in adding the word ‘trinity’ into the mix, because it is not in the bible. But my real focus is its interpretation... I think that would be the Catholic Church’s take on it, too. And for one, I don’t think that the Catholicism has done a very good job with it... and I don't mean by way of reading the Apostle's Creed; I mean by way of how it is nearly impossible to find the basic message of Salvation under her wing.

As I’ve read the apologetics on both sides of yes / no to the Trinity doctrine. There are people on both sides essentially saying the very same thing... and people who reject it saying that Jesus isn’t God... and that gets back to interpretation... which must be my focus. I apologize if this thread has angered some of you; that was not my intent.

When you stated:
it seems as though your questions about the Trinity morph into a statement about seeking His (Jesus') face

When it comes to the question ‘who is God’ ... isn’t that the whole point of discussing whether or not God is one? or three in one? ...in seeking His face?


Here are some comments/scripture:

Job 38:28 Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?

Concerning Father Son and Holy Ghost, there is only one "manifestation" of God, that is Jesus as He was God "Manifest" in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16), and He was "Manifested" to take away our sins (I John 3:5).

Trinity: Not in the Bible
God the Son, God the Holy Ghost: Not in the scripture
Three in one: Bible says these three ARE ONE, not in one.
--I John 5:7

Glorious mystery: Mystery explained I Timothy 3:16.

Jesus said "I and my Father are ONE" (John 10:30).

God is a Spirit (John 4)
Now the Lord is that Spirit (II Corinthians 3:17).

Jesus said "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father (John 14).


Worship:

Holy holy holy
merciful and mighty
God in three persons
blessed Trinity


IAct 7:59
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

SAUL’S CONVERSION
Acts 9:5 And he said, "Who are You, Lord?"
Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."

Whom shall we worship? In John 4:21-24, Jesus taught that the sole object of worship is the father. If God were a trinity why would he deny worship to the other two divine persons?

Jhn 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

Jhn 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

Jhn 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Jhn 4:24 God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.

SHAKY GROUND

The word ‘trinity’ is not in the bible
The Lord insisted that He is One. “I am that I am”
The LORD our God is one LORD (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Comparisons with pagan trinities that exist in other cultures
Christian art / portrayals represent that the Christian God is not one.
--and calls for condemnation by scripture
Christian trinity symbols (linked circles, triangle) are occult based