How is it that the doctrine of the trinity became such a
"make or break" doctrine for the church.
First mentioned by Tertullian.... Tertullian denounced Christian doctrines he considered heretical, but later in life adopted views that came to be regarded as heretical themselves. He was the first great writer of Latin Christianity, thus sometimes known as the "father of the Latin Church". He introduced the term Trinity, (Theophilius to Autolycus - 115-181 - introduced the word Trinity in his Book 2, chapter 15 on the creation of the 4th day). as the Latin trinitas, to the Christian vocabulary[1] and also probably of the formula "three Persons, one Substance" as the Latin "tres Personae, una Substantia" (itself from the Koine Greek "treis Hypostases, Homoousios") and also the terms vetus testamentum ("old testament") and novum testamentum ("new testament"). In his Apologeticus, he was the first Latin author to qualify Christianism as the 'vera religio', and symmetrically relegating the classical Empire religion and other accepted cults as mere 'superstitions'. Tertullian left the Church of Rome late in his life and joined the heretical Montanists, thus explaining his failure to attain sainthood.
The council of Nicea was struggling with the aspect of Jesus's divinity and humanity. As well as the Holy Ghost.
So they came up with the trinity doctrine and anyone who refused to believe that the THREE are ONE yet separate and distinct. So essence of essence, etc. So THREE SEPARATE yet ONE, was anathematized from the church .. hence the anathema clause.
This has been a dividing issue for many Jews who believe the "Shama"... "hear oh Israel the Lord is One and you shall worship the Lord with all your heart mind and strength"
They interpret it as worshiping three God's not One .. Pluralism versus Monotheistic view of God.
Early Christians believed that Jesus was Yahweh or Jehovah ...
The word became flesh and dwelt among us.
IT is most insightful to hear the words Jesus spoke to Phillip ... These disciples had followed Jesus day and night and Phillip ask a very direct question...
7 If ye had known me, ye would have known my Father also: from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and dost thou not know me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; how sayest thou, Show us the Father?
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works.
Interesting questions to ponder ....
Is there truly just one God who came to earth by shrouding himself in flesh ... then ascended again back to his original form ...? |
