Replies to Aristiono -- Part 2-- Some Simple Answers

Aristiono points out that the word 'Trinity' does not appear in the Scriptures. True, but that does not make the point he hopes it makes.
There are many theological concepts in all religions that do not appear in their Scriptures. Just because the word 'trinity' doesn't appear in the Scriptures does to mean the concept of the Trinity does not exist in the Scripture. The word 'Monotheistic' does not appear in the Scriptures (Jewish, Christian or Islamic) but all have the theological concept of a 'monotheistic' faith -- one God. We use many words outside the Scriptures to describe concepts that we see in them -- it does not make them false concepts simply because the word does not appear.

The Doctrine of the Trinity is such concept. The word may not appear in Scripture but the concept is there. It was created as a process in trying to understand how certain passages of Scripture could be true. Passages that indicated Jesus as both God and separate from the Father God. Passages that indicated another Comforter called the Holy Spirit -- also equal to God but separate in person hood. Three separate persons but all God (One God Together). The doctrine of the Trinity did not arrive as a result of pagan influence but a wrestling with an understanding of God and the Scriptures.

I wrestled with this myself on my own and had to conclude that the conclusion those who settled this long ago were right. The Trinity is just a way of explaining the concept.

Do I Believe in one God -- Yes. Do I believe in the Trinity -- yes. One God manifested in three persons all equally God, but all equally separate persons but united and one.

Next: Some History Lessons

Is There Any Doubt?

1. Is there any doubt that God has a sense of humor when you look in the mirror?
2. Is there any doubt that God has a sense of humor when you consider the duck billed platypus.?
3. Is there any doubt God has a sense of humor when you consider he has called you into his service?
4. Is there any doubt God has a sense of humor when you consider who God has placed in you family and church?
5. Is there any doubt God has a sense of humor when you consider how He has solved some of your problems?

I don't doubt that God gets a great big belly laugh at times.

Returning to True Fundamentalism -- Part 6 -- Why Does This Matter?

OK. Let's recap. True Fundamentalism is about making a list of the minimum things required in a Christian doctrine statement to be Christian. my list is only five things long:
1. The Bible is the Inspired Word of God
2. God exists in three persons: The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit and these three are one.
3. The reality of the person and work of Jesus Christ as both historical and spiritually significant
4. Through the person and work we can find salvation and find it in no other
5. Christ will return

Now, I want to note something -- I think this is all one needs to know to become a Christian and get saved. That said can anyone note all that is not said:

1. Type of inspiration (verbal, etc.)
2. The nature of God outside the trinity doctrine -- how is God omnipotent, omniscient, etc.
3. How one is saved by faith (faith and works controversy)
4. How salvation works and the nature of salvation are left somewhat open
5. End times -- completely open.

Why is this important? I think that unity is better achieved by fighting for the core, making allowances for differences outside the core and in all things being loving. Probably, the greatest downside to the Protestant Reformation has been division and hostility between the children of God. The fact is we often fight about many things that are not central to faith and the real issues often go by without really looking at them. The kind of unity Paul talked about in his writings is quite frankly imposable as long as these issues exist. We simply have a hard time accepting someone whose beliefs about Christianity are not very similar to our own and tat is becoming our downfall.

Finis

Returning to True Fundamentalism -- Part 2 -- The Trinity

Wow! This is a series I started way back in October but I must have lost it in the shuffle.

Once it is established that the Bible is our authority then one doctrine is clear -- there is one God. It does not take very long to get the fact that God stands supreme in the Old Testament as the one and only but then the New Testament and it becomes pretty clear that three individuals all claim to be God and at the same time one with each other.

True Fundamentalism maintained the Trinity was the true doctrine and so do I -- God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. All are God. All are separate persons.

So far, True fundamentalism is about the Word and God. Not too bad as this is essential to understanding of faith. These two are the most basic fundamentals but there are a few more.