The Longest Known English Word

[dwight92070]

Thanks Darin,

This seems to suggest that while most Americans say they believe in the Trinity, they don't actually understand the concept.

Dwight - I think the majority of the ones who do not understand the concept, do not have a "real" faith in Jesus, as you put it. You find these people in all churches. On the other hand, the majority of those who do have a "real" faith in Jesus, do understand the concept, because they have sought to understand it, at least as much as it can be understood. So, it's safe to say that most Christians accept the doctrine, and that the majority of those who do not accept it, are in cults, which leaves their claim of being a Christian, in doubt.

[Paidion]

Well... in my own case, I was with Trinitarian churches throughout my Christian life. First in Baptist churches, and later in assemblies of "Plymouth Brethren". As a young man, I attended a Bible school that was Trinitarian.

It was not through any association with a "cult" (I never had such an association), but through my personal studies of the New Testament, that I realized that the doctrine is not found there.

[darinhouston]

Thanks Darin,

This seems to suggest that while most Americans say they believe in the Trinity, they don't actually understand the concept.

Dwight - I think the majority of the ones who do not understand the concept, do not have a "real" faith in Jesus, as you put it. You find these people in all churches. On the other hand, the majority of those who do have a "real" faith in Jesus, do understand the concept, because they have sought to understand it, at least as much as it can be understood. So, it's safe to say that most Christians accept the doctrine, and that the majority of those who do not accept it, are in cults, which leaves their claim of being a Christian, in doubt.

Well, we'll just have to disagree on this one -- I've been sensitive to this long enough that at least my experience almost none have any real idea what the Trinitarian doctrine holds beyond the most basic credal affirmation and that most preaching is inconsistent frequently with the underlying assumptions.

[dwight92070]

Well... in my own case, I was with Trinitarian churches throughout my Christian life. First in Baptist churches, and later in assemblies of "Plymouth Brethren". As a young man, I attended a Bible school that was Trinitarian.

It was not through any association with a "cult" (I never had such an association), but through my personal studies of the New Testament, that I realized that the doctrine is not found there.

Dwight - My background was similar. From a child, I was with my family in a Baptist church - Trinitarian for sure, but I don't ever remember the pastor or teacher discuss the Trinity, much less teach about it. However, I was not saved until I was 21, and then I went to Charismatic, non-denominational churches, which were Trinitarian. However, in these churches, I do remember some teaching on the Trinity, but not a lot. After getting saved, one of my first questions was: "Where does the Bible teach the Trinity?" I too, attended a Bible school, which was Trinitarian, but pretty much never taught on it. Also through my studies of the Old and the New Testament, I realized that the Trinity was, in fact a Biblical doctrine.

[dwight92070]

Dwight - Thankfully, an extensive knowledge of the Trinity is not necessary to be totally convinced that it is a Biblical fact - anymore than an extensive knowledge of salvation is necessary to be saved.

[dwight92070]

Most 13 or 14 year old kids, could easily see, in the scripture, that Jesus is God, the Holy Spirit is God, and the Father is God. Since there is only One God, then there has to be a true concept, which came to be called "the Trinity".

That would be an interesting experiment. Take a teenager, Christian or not, and ask them if they can find anywhere in the Bible (we should probably limit it to just the New Testament), that identifies Jesus as being God. There is an abundance of scripture, so I would bet most could find that quite quickly. I may even try that. Using your I-phone or computer is not allowed. Only flipping through the pages of the Bible is allowed.

Anyone else out there care to try that? I may even throw in an incentive - say $5.

[darinhouston]

Most 13 or 14 year old kids, could easily see, in the scripture, that Jesus is God, the Holy Spirit is God, and the Father is God. Since there is only One God, then there has to be a true concept, which came to be called "the Trinity".

That would be an interesting experiment. Take a teenager, Christian or not, and ask them if they can find anywhere in the Bible (we should probably limit it to just the New Testament), that identifies Jesus as being God. There is an abundance of scripture, so I would bet most could find that quite quickly. I may even try that. Using your I-phone or computer is not allowed. Only flipping through the pages of the Bible is allowed.

Anyone else out there care to try that? I may even throw in an incentive - say $5.

And then ask them if they can find anywhere in the Bible that identifies Jesus as being a door.

[Homer]

Darin,

Surely you jest.

[darinhouston]

Darin,

Surely you jest.

Sort of, but mostly proving a point through absurdity.

[dwight92070]

I'm not getting it. Please tell us what point you just proved through absurdity.