Christians also believe that God is triune (literally "three as one"). This trinity is called many names such as "The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" or equivalently the "Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer". The aspects of this trinity center around the God in Heaven who created the universe, the God that came to earth in the physical form as Jesus of Nazareth, and the unseen God that moves in the hearts of men and women today. Since the three parts of the trinity are considered to be indivisible, Christians may pray to God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, with the implicit understanding that they are praying to the Trinity. The emphasis of particular parts of the trinity may vary depending on the branch of Christianity.
Lutherans also believe that this Triune God loves all people and delights in personal relationships with them. Thus, Lutherans do not pray to Mary, the mother of Jesus, or to any of the Apostles or Saints. Similarly, Lutherans need not confess their "sins" to a clergy member but through a direction conversation with God |
