Why does the Trinity Matter?
An Introduction to Christian Theology
As we move from the method of Christian theology to the major theological topics, we could start in a few different places. I think it might be most helpful to begin with the Trinity. In particular, I want to start with the question, “Why does the Trinity matter?” For many Christians, this might seem like an esoteric or philosophical topic that does not have much relevance to everyday faith and life. In reality, the doctrine (doctrine=teaching) of the Trinity is at the heart of the Christian faith and life.
The First Answer: Identifying God
The first answer to the question of why the Trinity matters has to do with the question of the identity of God. Let’s get started with practicing theology as wonder in relation to “the divine” to get to this answer. Theology as wonder leads humans to ask these questions:
Does a god (or gods) exist?
How do we know if there’s a god or gods?
What is the divine like?
These questions are widespread amongst most, if not all, human cultures. Perhaps, you’ve heard others ask these questions - or done so yourself. The distinctive answer that Christian theology, based on the Christian Scriptures, provides is centered on the Trinity.
The definitive answer from Christian theology to such questions flows out of the reality that there is one God in three persons (Trinity ~ three-in-one) who has been revealed through Christ by the Spirit. In a later post, we will unpack why that language is used. But for now, I want the centrality and importance of this doctrine to be established in your mind and heart.
It’s necessary to realize that the word “God” can and does have different ideas and images linked with it. When we talk about “God” with others, we may assume that we all have the same idea and image. However, this is not necessarily so, even with conversations between believers. This doesn’t necessarily mean that one set of ideas and images is right and another is wrong. In fact, there is a diversity of Scriptural ideas and images that may be found to be predominate in the minds and hearts of many faithful Christians who know God and his word.
