Exploring Trinity's Connection to the Torah

Sep 4, 2024

The Case for Messiah: Trinity and the Torah

Introduction

  • Topic: Exploring the concept of the Trinity in relation to the Torah.
  • Key Question: Does the Trinity contradict the Hebrew Bible?
  • Opinions Vary: Different Jewish scholars have differing views.
    • Michael Wischogrod identifies the divinity of Jesus and the Trinity as a major issue between Judaism and Christianity.
    • Some Jewish apologists argue that the Trinity isn't mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.
    • Others claim the New Testament doesn't support the Trinity either.

Perspectives from Jewish Scholars

  • Michael Wischogrod: Highlights the challenge of the divinity of Jesus and the Trinity in Jewish-Christian discourse.
  • Benjamin Sommer: Argues that the concept of the Trinity is compatible with the Hebrew Bible and ancient Near Eastern traditions.
    • Uses the term "fluidity" to describe the nature of God’s presence in multiple places.

Arguments Against the Trinity

  • Jewish Perspective: The unity of God is foundational, seen as incompatible with the Trinity.
    • Shema Yisrael emphasizes "The Lord is one."
    • Hosea 11:9 and Isaiah 43:10-11 stress God’s singularity.
  • New Testament Perspective: Claims that even the New Testament does not support the Trinity.
    • Mark’s Christology is considered adoptionist by some.
    • The doctrine of the Trinity was formalized later (4th century).

Arguments for Compatibility with the Torah

  • God’s Presence: Described as existing in two sanctuaries simultaneously (heaven and tabernacle).
    • Examples from Exodus and Deuteronomy illustrate God dwelling in both.
  • Solomon’s Temple: God’s presence fills the temple, yet Solomon prays to God in heaven.
    • Shows God can exist in multiple places as one being.

Mysterious Unity of God

  • Creation: The plural language in Genesis 1:26 interpreted as God speaking within His own plurality.
    • Spirit of God associated with wisdom and the creation theme.
    • Proverbs identifies wisdom as a person present in creation.
  • Revelation: God’s appearances through the angel/messenger of the Lord.
    • Examples include the burning bush in Exodus and appearances to Gideon.
    • The messenger is both distinct and identified with God.

Appearances of God in Human Form

  • Genesis 18: God appears to Abraham as a man.
  • Exodus 33: Moses sees God’s "back," emphasizing a bodily form.

Jewish Sources and Interpretations

  • Targum Interpretations: Reflect a pre-polemical understanding of God’s word and presence.
  • Professor Benjamin Sommer: Critiques Maimonides' approach as a deviation from biblical and rabbinic teachings.

New Testament Support

  • Paul’s Christology: Early letters show a high view of Jesus’ divinity.
    • Romans 10 and Philippians 2 equate Jesus with Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh.
  • Gospels: Mark, Matthew, and Luke portray a high Christology.
    • Mark begins with identification of Jesus as Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh.
    • Narrative analogies like calming the storm highlight Jesus’ divine role.

Conclusion

  • The concept of a Triune God is supported by the Torah’s teachings on God’s presence, unity, and appearances.
  • The New Testament reinforces these ideas, affirming the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God.
  • The term "Trinity" is less important than the theological truths it conveys.
  • Encouragement to examine texts critically and comprehensively.

Closing Message

  • Encouragement to share the message and support the dissemination of these teachings.