The Holy Spirit is integral to the Trinity and is not a separate entity, created being, or tool of God.
Emphasis on the co-eternality and oneness of the Triune God.
The Holy Spirit's role is explored both in terms of the "immanent Trinity" (God's inward nature) and the "economic Trinity" (God's outward actions in creation).
Immanent vs. Economic Trinity
Immanent Trinity: Focuses on God’s inward nature and internal relationships.
Economic Trinity: Describes how God interacts with the created world, with the term "economic" deriving from "oikos" (household management).
The Holy Spirit in Creation
Panentheism vs. Pantheism
Panentheism: God is actively involved in creation but is not identical to it.
Greek "en" means "in", highlighting God's presence in creation without being limited to it.
Pantheism: God and nature are the same, with no distinction between God and the natural world.
Biblical Narratives and the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is depicted as actively involved in creation and human affairs.
Notable references include:
Genesis 1: Spirit brooding over waters.
Genesis 2: Spirit giving life.
Exodus: Spirit present in the camp and Ark of the Covenant (Shekinah).
Theological Perspectives
Jürgen Moltmann and Panentheism
Sees God in all created beings and God’s life-giving spirit in creation.
Holy Spirit is present within creation but not identical to it.
Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments
First Testament: Spirit gives life, wisdom (Chokmah/Sophia), and guidance.
Second Testament: Spirit's presence at Jesus’ baptism and Pentecost.
The Holy Spirit's Role in Creation
The Holy Spirit is seen as "pouring out God’s love in endless, fresh creativity." (Darendra Sahu)
Diversity in creation is a hallmark of the Spirit's work, with a command for multiple kinds of creatures in creation.
The Trinity's Unified Action
Opera Trinitatis Ad Extra Indivisa Sunt
The Trinity's work towards creation is indivisible, with all three identities acting in concert.
Conventional roles:
Father: Creation
Son: Redemption
Spirit: Sustaining and renewing life
The Economic Trinity
The way in which God acts towards creation is unified.
The Holy Spirit’s specific role in renewal, vivification, and sustaining life within creation.
Conclusion
The Holy Spirit’s active involvement in creation is integral to understanding the Trinity’s work.
The approach of attributing specific roles to each person of the Trinity is useful but should not undermine the unified action of the Triune God.