TRINITY:
a CHRISTIAN doctrine formulated in the fourth century with roots in the NEW
TESTAMENT and EARLY CHURCH. Defining ORTHODOXY and HERESY it is based upon what the BIBLE
teaches about the relationship between the creator GOD, referred to as GOD the Father, the
person of JESUS OF NAZARETH, or the CHRIST, and the HOLY SPIRIT. Teaching that there is
but One GOD who exists from ETERNITY, it seeks to explain BIBLE references to the
Father, Son and HOLY SPIRIT as divine BEINGS. The classical Western formula is:
"three PERSONS in one SUBSTANCE" while Eastern Christians say "three
HYPOSTASIS in one BEING." A mystery that is accepted by Christians as the only way to
harmonize various Biblical teachings. Many attempts have been made to explain the Trinity
in terms of analogies involving clover leaves, the appearance of water as ice, liquid and
steam, and the mind body relationship.
