Some early heretics, like Arian, chose the second option, and maintained that Jesus was not of the same substance as the Father. — Ciceronianus the White
The Trinity after all is not mentioned in the Bible as such. Why, then, is it part of Christian doctrine? It's not a concept which springs to mind and on its face seems contrary to the belief in One God. — Ciceronianus the White
But in all cases I suggest that when post hoc explanations are needed or used in order to explain or justify writings of any kind which purport to be more than evocative, the lack of clarity which requires or invites those explanations is a deficiency in the writings and their authors. — Ciceronianus the White
I'm saying it was necessary for the early Church to explain the text, and this is how the orthodox faith did so.Am I to understand your position is that the triune God thing is just so much bullshit that arose from a poorly written but highly esteemed text? — Hanover
The Mormon — Hanover
I've seen the Trinity and the Logos referred to in John attributed to the Stoics. — Ciceronianus the White
But I think you mistake what was used in justifying the Trinity on a philosophical basis (and the use of the Logos) with what made it necessary or desirable for the Christian God to be a triune God — Ciceronianus the White
I doubt the Arian/Athanasian dispute arose because some Christians read Plotinus or that it was resolved at the First Council of Nicaea by consulting the works of Plotinus. — Ciceronianus the White
Preachers don't like explaining it on Trinity Sunday, either. It's just one big headache. — Bitter Crank
I think it's more likely that they looked to the Bible first, then used pagan philosophy and religion to support it as needed. — Ciceronianus the White
This is what happens when philosophical literalists meddle with religion and try to organise it. Zen Buddhists are smart enough to head them off at the pass with the soundless sound of one hand clapping.
Personally, I believe in love and justice though I am confident they do not exist. So call me irrational, and snort in derision. — unenlightened
In this case, the base question is, as it so often is, is belief in God reasonable. If so, and your answer is yes, than by faith there is no reason not to believe in His trinity. — Rank Amateur
Zen Buddhists are smart enough to head them off at the pass with the soundless sound of one hand clapping. — unenlightened
What is the sound of you clapping me in irons with one hand?I'd clap you in irons for that remark if I could — unenlightened
This I think would be an example of an effort to explain a text which seems inconsistent or unreasonable but assumed to be relating a truth. It's a kind of salvage operation. — Ciceronianus the White
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