How did the Trinity doctrine develop in the early church?

[GodsGrace]

Response to the above:

This is a striking and tragic example of the human tendency to speculate on divine matters instead of humbly accepting the straightforward testimony of Scripture. Nowhere in the Bible is there any justification for this convoluted and self-contradictory notion. While it is true that we can never fully comprehend God (@Brakelite ) with our limited human minds, the revelations He has given of Himself, His Son, and His Holy Spirit—His power and presence that fills all of creation and accomplishes His will—are clear, simple, reasonable, and deeply satisfying. They offer a welcome relief from the confusing speculations mentioned above.

The doctrine of the "Trinity" is not found in Scripture. The following historical quotations will provide insight into the period during which this doctrine emerged, illustrating the philosophical influences, methods of reasoning, and political forces that ultimately led to its establishment. These forces enforced the doctrine through confiscation, prohibition, punishment, and even murder. This historical context will reveal the fragile, human foundation upon which the doctrine of the Trinity rests, helping to dispel the weight it seems to carry due to centuries of "orthodox" acceptance.

Another Christian that doesn't believe Jesus is God.
Are you worshipping a man?

 

[Wrangler]

Right Wrangler.
The Trinity is a pagan belief...
but you have Christian written under your avatar.
How's about removing that designation?

Because I’m a Unitarian Christian or Biblical Christian. Trinitarians want to pretend there is no such thing as a non-Trinitarian Christian.

 

[St. SteVen]

Because I’m a Unitarian Christian or Biblical Christian. Trinitarians want to pretend there is no such thing as a non-Trinitarian Christian.

Well... what are YOU pretending? That Trinitarianism is unbiblical? - LOL

The Word was God... The Word became flesh... - John 1:1, 14

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[GodsGrace]

Because I’m a Unitarian Christian or Biblical Christian. Trinitarians want to pretend there is no such thing as a non-Trinitarian Christian.

No such animal.
SS said it all in post 243.

 

[St. SteVen]

SS said it all in post 243.

Thanks.
No need for long posts when we can just get right to the point. - LOL

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[Wrangler]

Well... what are YOU pretending? That Trinitarianism is unbiblical? - LOL

I’m pretending your posts on this topic are serious.

The Word was God... The Word became flesh... - John 1:1, 14

None of that says ANYTHING about the trinity! ROFLMAO.

 

[Wrangler]

No such animal.
SS said it all in post 243.

Since there are such animals here in this thread, there are such animals.

 

[St. SteVen]

Trinitarians want to pretend there is no such thing as a non-Trinitarian Christian.

I've never said that to you. But you have called me an idolator, more than once.
So, you won't get too much sympathy.

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[St. SteVen]

New topic:

The Worship Experience - Corporate and Individual - Loud and Quiet

The corporate worship at my church is loud. (the way I like it) Other churches are much quieter. The worship is also very physical. Raised hands and swaying to the music is common. Clapping hands and shouts of hallelujah. Also quieter moments seeking to hear God's voice. Individual worship...

www.christianityboard.com

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[GodsGrace]

Since there are such animals here in this thread, there are such animals.

There is NO SUCH ANIMAL as a Christian that does not believe in the Trinity.

A Christian.

No Trinity......No Christian.

Easy.

And look at John 1:1
The Word was God.
The Word became flesh.

So 2 are present.
GOD
THE WORD

Or was God Father missing in heaven when THE WORD came to earth in flesh?

That leaves the Holy Spirit....
Does God have a spirit?
Perhaps He IS spirit?

So that is PERSON no. 3

No mystery.
Some just refuse to accept a doctrine that Christians MUST BELIEVE or they cannot be defined as Christian.

yes...you'll be hearing this from me a lot....

 

[Wrangler]

There is NO SUCH ANIMAL as a Christian that does not believe in the Trinity.

You are interacting with one RIGHT now. Denial.

 

[GodsGrace]

You are interacting with one RIGHT now. Denial.

Sir...
I know you understand what I'm saying.

There are conditions set to being defined as Christian.
YOU, not believing in the Trinity....which is one of those conditions....
means you cannot DEFINE YOURSELF AS CHRISTIAN.

Now...you can say you're a Christian all you want to....
But you are not.
Neither are JWs.

You must believe that Jesus is God to be Christian.

 

[Wrangler]

Sir...
I know you understand what I'm saying.

Yup! What you are saying is demonstrably wrong. There are many non-trinitarian Christians in the world, several in this thread and one typing this reply right now.

There are conditions set to being defined as Christian

Nonsense. What Scripture verse says that?

You must believe that Jesus is God to be Christian.

It goes to show the IDOLATRY of trinitarianism. You'd rather I do not come to Christ if I don't embrace the IDOL as a pre-condition. Christ never said that!

 

[St. SteVen]

There are conditions set to being defined as Christian.
YOU, not believing in the Trinity....which is one of those conditions....
means you cannot DEFINE YOURSELF AS CHRISTIAN.

How did you arrive at that conclusion? (not true) IMHO

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[GodsGrace]

Yup! What you are saying is demonstrably wrong. There are many non-trinitarian Christians in the world, several in this thread and one typing this reply right now.

Nonsense. What Scripture verse says that?



It goes to show the IDOLATRY of trinitarianism. You'd rather I do not come to Christ if I don't embrace the IDOL as a pre-condition. Christ never said that!

No comment.

 

[GodsGrace]

How did you arrive at that conclusion? (not true) IMHO

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The creeds SS...
The creeds.

Many heresies circulating in the early days of Christianity....during and after the death of the last Apostle.
Christianity was struggling with all the persecutions. Once they stopped, or at least diminished, the early theologians, the fathers of the church, were able to discuss theology between themselves.

Arianism was heretical,,,just as it is today.
So the Nicene creed was established to DEFINE what the church believed.
Members of the church believed what the church taught.
Unlike today when we each are our own theologian and we each make up our own rules...
just as the other member is proving.

So, this may not be agreed to by most on this forum...
but that's the way it is.

If a person wants to be DEFINED as Christian...,
he MUST believe what Christianity teaches.

Seems like such a simple concept.
Christianity believes Jesus is God.
The Trinity is a way of proving this.

I'd say it's the main tenet.

If you want to join the club down the street...
you have to adhere to its rules.
Same for Christianity.

A person could believe what he wants to,,,
this has nothing to do with salvation...
it has to do with a DEFINITION....
HOW does one define Christianity?

(oooh. A new thread!)

 

[Wrangler]

No comment.

No concession either being demonstrably wrong. Not too much humility in falsely equating being a Jesus follower with embracing the Trinitarian IDOL.

 

[Wrangler]

The creeds SS...
The creeds.

The creeds supercede Scripture?

 

[Wrangler]

Arianism was heretical,,,just as it is today.

Trinitarianism was heretical when Arianism was in power.

 

[St. SteVen]

The creeds SS...
The creeds. ...

Christianity believes Jesus is God.
The Trinity is a way of proving this.

Interesting point.
I think I was going to use the Creeds as a proof earlier.
But I backed away because they really didn't do that.
We should look at that.

I don't recall that the creed supporting the Trinity
in terms of accrediting deity to all three persons.

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