Trinity - the three who are one

In speaking about the Trinity we often perhaps feel that we are speaking in terms of some science fantasy that comes from the brains of Tolkien rather than a doctrine of belief. It becomes very difficult to speak about God when we cannot know God but can only put human thoughts into concepts of things beyond ourselves. Trinitarian speak is precisely that an attempt to portray God in terms that are understandable to ourselves as human. What of course makes it worse is that the originators of the doctrine could only utilise words and thoughts that were formed from Greek philosophical concepts and a world view that was 'primitive' compare to the modern seculum. Only when we can get a grip from this perspective can we begin to unpack and perhaps modernise the conceptual understanding that is God from a human perspective.

It is interesting to speculate on how the original authors of the Trinitarian orthodoxy initially came up with such a doctrine. Looking back over the many years since the start of this we can hazard guesses but not much more. There are obvious hints of Greek philosophical thought behind the wording of trinitarianism but I suspect that there may also be some more indigenous language present as well. Indigenous that is to tribal North Africa. Many of those who spoke of the new doctrine were of African descent even if they were Roman. I firmly believe that there is a hint of the philosophy of Ubuntu inherent in the trinitarian formulation. Be that as it may the very concept of three in one is basic to the Christian belief system and yet is very hard to find within our everyday proclamations of Christian benevolence. The concept of the Trinity is a concept that embeds the understanding of each individual person as being distinct and yet part of a greater whole. In explaining the concept in the current age there are decidedly two basic understandings of the Trinity. Each understanding criticises the other for failing to take into account the concept being promoted by promoter.

Each one is an individual who are one in community

For example, some theologians promote a concept of unity and are criticised for not taking into account each members individuality, whilst others emphasise the individuality of each person in the Trinity whilst being criticised for failing to account for their unity. Thus, we become divided and turn to the emphasise of each individual component Jesus (Evangelical), the Father (Catholic) or the Spirit  (Pentecostal) and fail to understand any for of incorporation. We thus become not one Church but a multiple of Churches each with its inherent institutional values played out on the larger stage of life. Even when we look at the creed we can discover for ourselves the archaic values and thoughts of our predecessors which influence our traditions to this day. Let us re-think what is it that the ancients were trying to say to their people as they spoke of three who were one God.

I go back to the philosophy out of Africa that states that we each are who we are because of the company we keep. Our very lives are dependant and formed by those whom we form community with. Thus, if our community cannot tell the truth nor will we. Yet the corollary stands as well. Each of us as an individual form and develop the community in which we immerse ourselves. In other words our thoughts will influence those around us. Now apply this to a concept of three who are one. Each is an individual within and of themselves but their uniqueness inform and create the communal selves that are one coherent body. If we are to follow we to must be as one with them. thus in John's words placed in the mouth of Christ "I am one with the father " and prays that we may be one with him. So that we too may be one in community without the loss of our individuality. Thus, each must open ourselves up to the presence of God within ourselves and be as one with God and Christ and the Holy Spirit, not just Jesus, not just the Father and not just the Spirit for all are one.