Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Why Do We Believe in the Trinity?
Catholic Exchange ^ | June 14, 2006 | Fr. Roger Landry

Posted on 06/14/2006 8:05:55 AM PDT by NYer

We believe in the Blessed Trinity because we believe in Jesus, Who revealed the Trinity. God had prepared the Jews not only to welcome the Messiah, but to recognize through revelation what philosophers like Aristotle achieved through reason: that there is a God and there can only be one God.

Moses said to the Jews, “Acknowledge today and take to heart that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other but to believe in God Who is the only God.” When the Messiah finally came, He revealed a huge mystery that went far beyond what the Jews were expecting: that the one God in Whom they believe is not solitary, but a unity, a communion of three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and that the Messiah is the Son.

He told them explicitly that the Father and He are one (Jn 10:30). He told them that He and the Father would send the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26, Jn 15:26). And when He sent them out to baptize in the name of God, He didn’t give them instructions to baptize in the “names” of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit — as if they were three different gods — but in the “name,” for they are fundamentally a union of three persons. This is what the term Trinity means. It was devised by the early Church apologist Tertullian around the year 200 from the Latin words “unitas” and “trinus,” literally “unity” and “three.” It signifies that there is a unity of three persons in one God.

Since the beginning of the Church, theologians have spent their lives trying to penetrate this mystery and explain it to others. St. Patrick used the image of a three-leaf clover. St. Augustine used the image of the mind, with memory, reason and will. More recent minds have used the image of H20, which can exist as ice, water, or steam. But none of these analogies — though interesting and somewhat helpful — do justice to the reality of the mystery of how three persons can exist in the one God.

When St. Augustine was in the middle of his voluminous and classic study of the Blessed Trinity, he took a walk along the beach in northern Africa to try to clear his head and pray. He saw a young girl repeatedly filling a scallop shell with sea water and emptying it into a hole she had dug in the sand. “What are you doing?” Augustine tenderly asked. “I'm trying to empty the sea into this hole,” the child replied. “How do you think that with a little shell,” Augustine retorted, “you can possibly empty this immense ocean into a tiny hole?” The little girl countered, “And how do you, with your small head, think you can comprehend the immensity of God?” As soon as the girl said this, she disappeared, convincing Augustine that she had been an angel sent to teach him an important lesson: No matter how gifted God had made him, he would never be able to comprehend fully the mystery of the Trinity.

This, of course, does not mean we cannot understand anything. If we want to get to the heart of the mystery of the Trinity, we can turn to the most theological of the Apostles, who meditated deeply on all that Jesus had revealed and, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said simply and synthetically, “God is love” (1 Jn 4:16). For God to be love, He has to love someone. None of us can love in a vacuum; there must always be an object of our love. Who is the object of God’s love? It cannot be man, or the created world, or the universe, because all of these existed in time and God is eternal and therefore existed before time.

It’s also impossible to say that God merely loved Himself in a solitary way, because this would not really be love but a form of egotism and narcissism. For God to be love, there needed to be an eternal relationship of love, with one who loves, one who is loved, and the love that unites them. This is what exists in the Blessed Trinity: The Father loved His image, the Son, so much that their mutual and eternal love “spirated” or “generated” the Holy Spirit. They exist in a communion of love. The three persons of the Blessed Trinity are united in absolutely everything except, as the early Church councils said, their “relations of origin,” what it means to be Father, what it means to be Son of the Father, and what it means to proceed from the Father and the Son.

These theological insights about the blessed Trinity may seem theoretical, but they become highly practical when we reflect on the fact that we have been made in the image and likeness of God and called to communion with God. To be in the image and likeness of God means to be created in the image and likeness of a communion of persons in love. Our belief in the Trinity — the central teaching of the Catholic faith — has given the Church the deepest understanding available to human beings of the nature of man, the meaning of human life, and what it means to love.


TOPICS: Apologetics; Catholic; General Discusssion; History; Prayer; Theology
KEYWORDS: faith; theology; trinity
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 601-618 next last
To: colorcountry
Just, wow!

Just wow ... indeed.

41 posted on 06/14/2006 1:02:26 PM PDT by Quester
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: colorcountry
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

42 posted on 06/14/2006 1:06:57 PM PDT by SoothingDave
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]

To: colorcountry
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.
43 posted on 06/14/2006 1:09:03 PM PDT by Theoden (Liberate te ex inferis)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]

To: Theoden
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.

44 posted on 06/14/2006 1:16:19 PM PDT by colorcountry (Life isn't fair, it isn't unfair either. It just "is.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 43 | View Replies]

To: colorcountry
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.
45 posted on 06/14/2006 1:18:18 PM PDT by Theoden (Liberate te ex inferis)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies]

To: colorcountry; Theoden; SoothingDave; wagglebee
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.

46 posted on 06/14/2006 1:36:18 PM PDT by NYer (Discover the beauty of the Eastern Catholic Churches - freepmail me for more information.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies]

To: redhead

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


47 posted on 06/14/2006 1:46:03 PM PDT by franky (Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: colorcountry
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
48 posted on 06/14/2006 1:54:18 PM PDT by franky (Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]

To: restornu

(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


49 posted on 06/14/2006 2:07:36 PM PDT by franky (Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: SoothingDave
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?

50 posted on 06/14/2006 2:09:18 PM PDT by Invincibly Ignorant
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies]

To: nmh

"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.


51 posted on 06/14/2006 2:13:00 PM PDT by ShandaLear (Gringos Unite!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: franky
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.

52 posted on 06/14/2006 2:27:45 PM PDT by colorcountry (Life isn't fair, it isn't unfair either. It just "is.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 48 | View Replies]

To: 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?


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.

53 posted on 06/14/2006 2:31:41 PM PDT by Quester
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies]

To: SoothingDave; newgeezer
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".

54 posted on 06/14/2006 2:37:29 PM PDT by OLD REGGIE (I am most likely a Biblical Unitarian? Let me be perfectly clear. I know nothing.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: ShandaLear

"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.


55 posted on 06/14/2006 2:39:05 PM PDT by nmh (Intelligent people recognize Intelligent Design (God) !)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies]

To: Campion

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.


56 posted on 06/14/2006 2:43:35 PM PDT by nmh (Intelligent people recognize Intelligent Design (God) !)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: nmh

No, I believe truth is a constant.

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


57 posted on 06/14/2006 2:44:45 PM PDT by ShandaLear (Gringos Unite!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]

To: Campion
"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.
58 posted on 06/14/2006 2:45:21 PM PDT by nmh (Intelligent people recognize Intelligent Design (God) !)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: nmh

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."


59 posted on 06/14/2006 2:47:20 PM PDT by ShandaLear (Gringos Unite!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 56 | View Replies]

To: ShandaLear

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.


60 posted on 06/14/2006 2:48:04 PM PDT by nmh (Intelligent people recognize Intelligent Design (God) !)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 601-618 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson