Lecture on Christian Convictions and the Trinity

Key Concepts

• Affirmations of Christian Convictions

  • Belief in one God who is three (Trinity).
  • God is eternal and so is the Trinity.

• The Dilemma of the Trinity

  • Questioning the sense of discussing any identity of the Trinity apart from others.
  • Unity of God's will: Triune God has one purpose and mind.
  • No tri-theistic Pantheon: Not independent agents like Greek gods.

Theological Principles

Communicatio Idiomatum

• "Communication of attributes": any experience of one identity of the Trinity is true for all.
• Experiencing any part of the Trinity is experiencing the fullness of God.

Doctrine of Appropriation

• Associating actions with specific identities of the Trinity.
  • Jesus Christ: Reconciler and Redeemer.
  • Holy Spirit: Empowered prophetic work, attributed as the guide and sanctifier.
• Guard against diminishing the roles of the Son and the Spirit.
• Upholds the unity and inseparable action of the Trinity.

Examples and Illustrations

• Augustine's View

  • Father, Son, and Holy Spirit act inseparably.
  • No exclusion of other persons when associating one.

• Ephraim the Syrian’s Hymns

  • Poetic depiction of the distinct yet united identities:
    • Fire, heat, and light as metaphors.

Roles within the Trinity

• Father: Often seen as the Creator.

• Son (Jesus Christ): Dies and redeems humankind.

• Holy Spirit

  • Seen as sanctifier, guide, and inspirer.
  • Sometimes described as "shy" or "deferential".

• Biblical References and Characteristics

  • John 16: Spirit glorifies the Son, gifts from the Spirit derive from Jesus.
  • Ephesians 4: The Holy Spirit can be grieved, suggesting vulnerability.

Conclusion

• Reaffirmation of the unity of the Trinity.
• Each identity has distinct roles but shares one will and purpose.

Notes

• Engage with the discussion online for further exploration and clarification of the topics discussed.