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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Is God ONE or is God THREE? | James 2:19 | 10ECPreacher | 36012 | ||
Is God essentially "one" -- or is He essentially "three"? The KJV has: "You believe there is one God..." Apparently, we all agree on this point--at least superficially. But do we agree that "God is ONE"? A literal rendering of Deut. 6:4--"Hear O Israel, The LORD our God, the LORD He is ONE." At the risk of stirring up a veritable hornet's nest, I would like to initiate a reasonable and responsible discussion concerning the nature of Deity. I have read some of the previous threads on this forum where "Oneness" theology was disparaged as heretical. I haven't seen where some of my concerns on this issue have been discussed. I realize that my view on this topic will be in the minority, but I would nonetheless ask for a fair hearing. I am convinced that there are many level-headed, fair-minded, rational thinkers on this forum. I would plead that as long as I am consistent with the teachings and actions of the Apostles in the early church (as recorded in the New Testament) then it is unfair to label my beliefs as heterodoxy. I have personally discussed this topic with many trinitarians over the past 20 or more years, and invariably it seems like the division between us is largely one of semantics. I do not see a Biblical basis for the doctrine of the "trinity" -- one must appeal to historical documents to find the term. I do not see in the Bible a reason to believe there are three persons in the Godhead. Instead, I would use the term "personality" (personna). I have studied this topic for many years, and am familiar with all the strife and debate and acrimony that this kind of discussion can gender. It is my desire to studiously avoid any statements or implications that would cast aspersions on any other member of this forum, regardless of their view in regard to this matter. In my opinion, the only basis for our doctrine is the Bible. All other writings, such as creeds and dogma, are only viable insofar as they accurately reflect Holy Writ. I believe the Bible gives adequate definition of the nature of the Deity. In my humble opinion, much damage has been done to the credibility of trinitarian doctrines because of the efforts of some of the early church "fathers" to restate what was obvious enough to begin with. Let the Bible speak for itself. When adherence to a clearly stated principle in the Bible causes conflict with a dogma or creed written by men, why is the label of heresy given to those who follow the Bible? Is God in essence "ONE"? Or is He in essence "THREE"? What difference does it make to us if we believe one way or the other? (I do not intend for this discussion to become tangled up with a debate concerning the "unitarian" doctrine--or any other teaching that denies the absolute deity of Jesus Christ.) Thank you in advance for your kind and patient consideration of this topic. Kind regards, Tim D. Cormier Tennessee Preacher |
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2 | Is God ONE or is God THREE? | James 2:19 | Emmaus | 36016 | ||
10ECPreacher, "Is God in essence "ONE"? Or is He in essence "THREE"? What difference does it make to us if we believe one way or the other? " First I would say that when you get to the "essence" of a thing you are getting to its singular irreducible nature of being. Is there a difference between 1 and 3? Is there difference between monotheism and polytheism? To say we must appeal to scripture alone without reference to creeds or dogmas is to say we can appeal to scripture but may not draw any final conclusions about the scriptures. Creeds and dogmas are conclusions drawn. Creeds and dogmas are the authoritative scriptural exegesis of the Church. You say you do not want to get into any discussion of unitarian doctrines or any teaching that denies the absolute deity of Jesus. That indicates that you know that is exactly where the trinitarian/oneness question leads. That being said I will rest with the creeds and dogmas of the Fathers with which you say you are familiar. They have said it better that I can and are accessible on any number of sites. Emmaus |
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