Are the Persons of the Trinity different? (Jesus Christ, tradition, creation)

[Elvendon]

The question of the nature of the trinity is quite interesting for me: - Are the persons of the trinity in any way distinct from each other? Their equality and mutuality is without doubt among orthodox followings, but do they have different roles, different nature's or suchlike?

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Elvendon

The question of the nature of the trinity is quite interesting for me: - Are the persons of the trinity in any way distinct from each other? Their equality and mutuality is without doubt among orthodox followings, but do they have different roles, different nature's or suchlike?

To begin with, I would not use the term "Trinity" at all, since it is intrinsically linked to the Nicene Creed, which creed established the doctrine accepted by traditional Christianity today. I would instead use the word "Godhead," which is has its origin in the Bible. The same persons who comprise the "Trinity" also comprise the "Godhead," but the biblical references to the Godhead make it quite clear that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, while being "one" are also physically distinct from one another. A few of us Christians believe that both God the Father and His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, have immortal bodies of flesh and bones, that the Son is "in the express image of His Father's person" and that we were created in their literal image, after their likeness. We also believe that the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit, if you prefer) is a personage of spirit only. It is through the Holy Ghost that we as human beings are able to obey the commandment to worship God "in spirit and in truth." The three of them (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) are one in will and purpose, one in power and glory, and one in all of the attributes that make God "God." The only area in which they are not "one" is their physical makeup. They are physically distinct from one another, but absolutely and perfectly "one" in every other respect.

[Elvendon]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

To begin with, I would not use the term "Trinity" at all, since it is intrinsically linked to the Nicene Creed, which creed established the doctrine accepted by traditional Christianity today. I would instead use the word "Godhead," which is has its origin in the Bible. The same persons who comprise the "Trinity" also comprise the "Godhead," but the biblical references to the Godhead make it quite clear that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, while being "one" are also physically distinct from one another. A few of us Christians believe that both God the Father and His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, have immortal bodies of flesh and bones, that the Son is "in the express image of His Father's person" and that we were created in their literal image, after their likeness. We also believe that the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit, if you prefer) is a personage of spirit only. It is through the Holy Ghost that we as human beings are able to obey the commandment to worship God "in spirit and in truth." The three of them (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) are one in will and purpose, one in power and glory, and one in all of the attributes that make God "God." The only area in which they are not "one" is their physical makeup. They are physically distinct from one another, but absolutely and perfectly "one" in every other respect.

I see... I suspect that the LDS view is slightly different to those of other denominations though... especially with respect to the Holy Ghost (which, in my mind, has always appeared as more of an all-permeating force rather than a person) and so I'm interested to see what they say.

Fantastic reply though thanks!

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Elvendon

I see... I suspect that the LDS view is slightly different to those of other denominations though... especially with respect to the Holy Ghost (which, in my mind, has always appeared as more of an all-permeating force rather than a person) and so I'm interested to see what they say.

Fantastic reply though thanks!

Actually, I believe the LDS and traditional Christian understanding on the Holy Ghost and Jesus Christ are probably closer than our understanding of the nature of God the Father. Since I'm at work and don't have access to all of my bookmarked favorite websites, I am at a little bit of a disadvantage here. But, to the best of my recollection, the early Creeds do use the word "person" with respect to the Holy Ghost. This does not mean that they (or we) believe He has a physical body, because we are in agreement that He does not. But, I, too, am interested in the answers you will receive from other Christians.

[Elvendon]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

Actually, I believe the LDS and traditional Christian understanding on the Holy Ghost and Jesus Christ are probably closer than our understanding of the nature of God the Father. Since I'm at work and don't have access to all of my bookmarked favorite websites, I am at a little bit of a disadvantage here. But, to the best of my recollection, the early Creeds do use the word "person" with respect to the Holy Ghost. This does not mean that they (or we) believe He has a physical body, because we are in agreement that He does not. But, I, too, am interested in the answers you will receive from other Christians.

I think one can still refer to a being as a "person" even if s/he or it is non-corporeal and not in the same shape as a human being. In my view, the body of the holy spirit extends throughout creation - I don't know if this is consistent with your views

Still, I'd like to see some links, if I may be so bold as to ask. From what I've read of LDS theology, it's quite original, yet orthodox.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Elvendon

I think one can still refer to a being as a "person" even if s/he or it is non-corporeal and not in the same shape as a human being. In my view, the body of the holy spirit extends throughout creation - I don't know if this is consistent with your views

Essentially, yes, it is.

As to whether or not we can refer to a being as a "person" if He is non-corporeal, here is what the Athanasian Creed (which creed I, as a Latter-day Saint, do not accept) states:

And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;
Neither confounding the persons, nor dividing the substance. For there is one person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Spirit.

Still, I'd like to see some links, if I may be so bold as to ask.

The only link I could think to direct you to is pretty limited in scope. Essentially it states the following:

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, along with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.


The Holy Ghost is one in purpose with the Father and the Son, but is a separate being. Through Joseph Smith, the Lord revealed:

"The Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us."

The special mission of the Holy Ghost is to testify of the Father and the Son, to reveal the truth, to comfort us, and to sanctify us. He is a divine guide and teacher.

From what I've read of LDS theology, it's quite original, yet orthodox.

Well, that's an interesting way to put it, and I've got to admit that I've heard it described in far worse terms.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Elvendon

I think one can still refer to a being as a "person" even if s/he or it is non-corporeal and not in the same shape as a human being. In my view, the body of the holy spirit extends throughout creation - I don't know if this is consistent with your views

Still, I'd like to see some links, if I may be so bold as to ask. From what I've read of LDS theology, it's quite original, yet orthodox.

It is with mine; I am happy to accept the nicene creed (which I suppose makes life easier for me).

I am a Trinitian, and believe that the trinity describes the three 'facets' of God.

[Victor]

They are only "different" in the sense of how we perceive them. Just as if you were to ask me about how I perceive space in length, width, and depth or time in past, present, and future. Space is still space and time is still time.....