Why Do We Believe in the Trinity?

Catholic Exchange ^ | June 14, 2006 | Fr. Roger Landry

[Quester]

Just, wow!

Just wow ... indeed.

[SoothingDave]

I have to admit, that what I've heard about your dogman so far on FR, is not impressive....and no, I don't understand it.

You stand right next to a mosaic and it looks like someone just threw a bunch of stuff on a wall.

SD

[Theoden]

If I may make a couple of suggestions, you may want to check out from a library, or even buy (they are inexpensive)a copy of Pope Benedict's "Introduction to Christianity" and a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. They can answer any and all questions on Catholicism, which is far too often misunderstood. Pope Benedict's book is on Christianity related questions in general, and is not specifically Catholic. EWTN is also a good channel to watch if you are interested. All Christian denominations have far more in common than they realize, and we get caught up on stupid little things.

FR is not the best of places for learning about religious denominations, because we always get into fights because everyone is very brave behind a keyboard :) It actually brings out the worst in us, not the best.

[colorcountry]

FR is not the best of places for learning about religious denominations, because we always get into fights because everyone is very brave behind a keyboard :)

I've gotta agree with you there, even I resemble that remark on occasion (oops.)

My Hispanic father-in-law and all his family were Catholic (most are now "socially" Mormon.) My Daughter-in-law is Catholic and from Guatemala, my son was baptised Catholic in order for them to be married(he's and atheist)....I'm always surprised how little they know about the Bible and even about the Mass. I've attended funeral mass for several relatives and I can tell you that from the outside, it is all rather strange and ungodly.

I will take your advice and read the Catechism and Pope Benedict's book.

[Theoden]

I'm in the same boat as you, I'm too much of a reactionary on these threads, and I have to tone it down a couple of notches.

[NYer]

My Hispanic father-in-law and all his family were Catholic (most are now "socially" Mormon.) My Daughter-in-law is Catholic and from Guatemala, my son was baptised Catholic in order for them to be married(he's and atheist)....

Perhaps this book will not only address your questions but you can share it with your catholic relations, after you dazzle them with your newly acquired knowledge :-)

Catholics' hunger for the faith continues to grow. Pope Benedict XVI gives the Church the "food" that is seeks in the 598 questions and answers in the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This 200-page volume offers a quick synopsis of the essential contents of the faith as promulgated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Like the 1992 Catechism, the Compendium has a four-part structure, and includes a section on common prayers and Catholic doctrinal formulas. Because of the question-and-answer format, catechetical leaders-parents, pastors, teachers, principals, and catechists-have a unique opportunity to dialogue with the faithful, and reinvigorate the Church's ongoing mission of evangelization and catechesis.

The Compendium of the Catechism was prepared by a commission presided by the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. Following the request for greater appreciation of the Catechism, and in order to meet a widespread need that emerged during the 2002 International Catechetical Congress, in 2003 the Holy Father established a special commission, presided by the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, that he charged with preparing a Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, containing a more concise and dialogic version of the same contents of Catholic faith and morals.

[franky]

God Bless you red. I'm red headed 30 years removed. Matter of fact all of it has been removed.

[franky]

If you can get EWTN watch the Marcus Grodi show. Marcus was a Protestant Pastor and he interviews people who have returned to the Church or converted.

With 33,000 Protestant Denominations world wide it gets a wee bit confusing in who is giving the right messages to the laity.

They all have scripture chapter and verse but their logic about the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus escapes them as they read in St. John's Gospel

[franky]

(åïñôÞ) ôçò Áãßáò ÔñéÜäáò. Äåßôå åðßóçò: trinity

The forgoing is Greek for Trinity Sunday. The following will give a description:

History of the Doctrine of the Trinity

The doctrine of the Trinity took centuries to develop, but the roots of the doctrine can be seen from the first century.

The word "Trinity" is not found in the New Testament, nor is the doctrine explicitly taught there. However, foundations of the concept of the Trinity can be seen in the New Testament, especially in the Gospel of John, one of the latest and most theologically developed of the New Testament books. 1


http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/beliefs/trinity.htm

[Invincibly Ignorant]

You stand right next to a mosaic and it looks like someone just threw a bunch of stuff on a wall.

Take a couple steps back and it still looks that way. :-)

How's Ben?

[ShandaLear]

"I rely on God for answers and I get my answers from the Bible."

So what happens when the next guy down the street does the same and the two of you arrive at different conclusions? Which one of you is right? Which one is wrong? You can't both be right, yet you use the same Bible and claim the same God is showing you the answers.

[colorcountry]

I don't get EWTN, but thanks for the suggestion.

With 33,000 Protestant Denominations world wide it gets a wee bit confusing in who is giving the right messages to the laity.

They all have scripture chapter and verse but their logic about the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus escapes them as they read in St. John's Gospel

I haven't found that to be true. I think it is an erroneous assumption on your part. All the non-denominational churches, Baptist Churches, and Assemblies of God I have attended have the same clear understanding of John.

[Quester]

"I rely on God for answers and I get my answers from the Bible."

So what happens when the next guy down the street does the same and the two of you arrive at different conclusions?

Something maybe a little different than what happens when (2) Catholics disagree on doctrinal issues (and we know that they do) ... we keep studying and praying to God for guidance.

The problem is in our imperfect hearing/understanding of God's truths.

Fortunately most of us have a lifetime to get to where God's leading us.

[OLD REGGIE]

Don't worry, no one will ever accuse you of using "reasoning."

Please enlighten this old fool on the "reasoning" behind conflating "...were taught by us..." into "...will be taught by various men..." and claiming this as Biblical "tradition".

You could start with a definition of "were".

[nmh]

"So what happens when the next guy down the street does the same and the two of you arrive at different conclusions? Which one of you is right? Which one is wrong? You can't both be right, yet you use the same Bible and claim the same God is showing you the answers."

Do you really believe that TRUTH is mulitple choice?

LOL!!!

How silly you are.

[nmh]

It's a pity you must take verses out of context to follow sinners that steer you wrong.

2Tim.3:16

[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

As for your traditions and philosophers:

Col.2:8

[8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ

Unfortunately your "traditions" and "philosophers" don't agree with or follow Christ. It is precisely what God warns AGAINST.

1Pet.1:18

[18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

And you follow what is advised AGAINST.

[ShandaLear]

No, I believe truth is a constant.

If you can't answer the question(s), just say so.

[nmh]

"And when you're not sure what the Bible means, you get your answers from a fundamentalist preacher or theologian, a man who is just as much a sinner as the Pope."

I am the best spokes person for myself and NO I don't get my advice from the Pope or anyone one else. It's hard to explain but things fall into place with much prayer. I don't find sinners to be the best in seeking advice or direction in life.

[ShandaLear]

Speaking of traditions, do you attend a church that practices baptism and communion? Does your church marry couples? Do they have regularly scheduled services?

I know, too many questions, but these are pretty much a simple "yes" or "no."

[nmh]

You and your ilk genuinely amuse me with these worn out illogical questions. When you lack Biblical truths and prayer this would be quite the dilemma.