The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Trinity Doctrine

Kathy


Yes I realize that Trinitarian means different things to different people. But then again that really is not what is important. What is important is what the word really means. If that isn't understood, then the foundation of our understanding is faulty.
In your case, if you really want to know what the word “Trinity” really means, then all you need to do is re-read some of these posts; it has been explained and supported by Scripture on more than one occasion.
If we can't agree on the real meaning of the doctrine of the Trinity, then further discussion is futile.


Should this really surprise you? Most of the arguments I have seen by critics of the Trinity are based on either ignorance of the doctrine itself, or down right lies.
I will even admit that in some cases ignorance of the doctrine is spread by well meaning Christians who don't really understand the doctrine enough to explain it.


This one I have already dealt with a bit in number 2.
If someone has a false understanding of a doctrine, whether it is the Trinity, or the Atonement etc..., chances are they will think it is not biblical.
Sometimes this can be the fault of preachers and teachers themselves; many pastors do a horrible job at teaching doctrine period. In the past (not that some don’t), Churches tried to make sure all members understood doctrine, by using things like the Confessions as well a Catechisms.
An example of this can be found here
This is something that I have been trying to get implemented in my own Church, so far with little success.
There is another possibility; many people who call themselves “Christian” is actuality are not Christian at all. Whether they are JW, Oneness, or any other non-orthodox religion, they all claim to be Christians, but obviously only one can really represent true Christianity.
The Trinity is an essential doctrine of the Church, and if we are wrong in this. Then I am afraid the consequences of this are devastating. It would mean all people who believe in the Trinity are still dead in their sins.

You are in a sense correct that “THAT FOR AS MUCH AS THE 'TRINITY' DOCTRINE AIMED TO CLEAR THINGS UP... MAYBE IT HASN'T.”
But again this isn’t the fault of the doctrine itself; it has more to do with the proper teaching on the subject. But this is not something that is unique to the doctrine of the Trinity.


We are all called to use discernment and this case is no different. But if you don’t start trusting someone, you will never know the answer. In fact I doubt that you will find a TRUE Christian Church that you will trust.
It also can not be stressed enough the importance of hermeneutics (the science of interpretation) is when trying to understand Scripture. If we fail to understand the basic laws of interpretation when approaching Scripture, chances are we are going to get a wrong idea of what the author is trying to convey.
I believe there are several articles on hermeneutics on the Highway, I am too tired at the moment to look for you, perhaps someone will post one for you, and/or explain this aspect a little more.


I know you have a problem with Roman Catholicism; I share many of your concerns.
However, a few things need to be said.
Not everything that Roman Catholics believe is unbiblical. As has been said before, the doctrine of the Trinity is a doctrine that can be shown beyond a reasonable doubt by the Scriptures themselves. Every doctrine should be considered on its own merits, not who believes it.
For example, on the issue of abortion, there are many non-Christians, or even Catholics that believe abortion is wrong. Should that mean that we as Christians should be pro-choice?

I thought I better mention something about the URLs you posted.
I realize you said that you are not Oneness Pentecostal, but it is very evident that URLs are both Oneness sources.
I have had my share of discussions with those who are Oneness Pentecostals and I can tell you from experience that they can look at the same Scripture verses that I look at and come to different conclusions, simply because we use different hermeneutical principles.
As far as history goes, since admittedly I am not an expert on that subject, I will defer that issue to someone else who may want to comment on it.
I thought I would also let you know I had a friend once got caught up with Oneness Pentecostals and though by the grace of God he was rescued, his scars remain with him until this day.
So my advice to you is not to look into their claims, until at least you are equipped to handle it. At this time, I do not believe you are, this is not a criticism of you, it is just a warning from someone who cares.


I could say a lot more about these, but I will leave it there for now.