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Origins of Nicene Trinitarianism

A FAIR Analysis of: 'Do Christians Believe in Three Gods' A work by author: RBC Ministries

Relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Answering the Question: Do Christians Believe in Three Gods?

Claim: [W]e are dealing with a God who is revealed in the Bible as one God, who has existed eternally as three distinct (not separate) Persons. While Latter-day Saints agree that God has existed eternally, there are no biblical passages that tease out the difference between "distinct" and "separate." Such hair-splitting is philosophical analysis, not biblical. RBC Ministries is welcome to take this approach, but they should be clear that differentiating between "distinct" and "separate" was the work of Nicene theologians and philosophers, not the Bible. Claim: Jesus affirmed the Trinity when He commanded His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Mt. 28:19) Jesus affirmed that there are three beings who are properly labeled God. But, as we have seen, there are many ways of understanding "the Trinity." Nicene Trinitarian is only one way, and it requires the addition of extra-biblical information. It was also a relatively late development in Christian thinking. To assume that Jesus is here teaching Nicene Trinitarianism is circular reasoning, and ignores the clear historical record. Conclusion All Christians assert that God is three in some senses, and one in others. Nicene Trinitarians admit that how this can be is a mystery. Other Christians, such as the Latter-day Saints, likewise insist that God can be both three and one, depending on how the terms such as "God" and "one" are used, and what the speaker means to convey. Understanding these matters requires a review of biblical texts, Jewish and Christian thought, and the historical record. It is also unfair and inaccurate to lump Latter-day Saints with those who deny Christ's Godhood or power as Savior. Using slogans or polemics to condemn others contributes little to mutual understanding, and does little to honor Him who RBC Ministries and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints praise as Lord, Savior, and God. Endnotes None

Jump to... Introduction What does "One God" mean? Is Nicene Trinitarianism Biblical? What are the origins of Nicene Trinitarianism? Relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Jesus is God Do Christians believe in Three Gods? Other Protestant attacks on the Church of Jesus Christ: Contradictions in LDS scripture? Many anti-Mormon protestants use a list of supposed "contradictions" between the Book of Mormon and other LDS scripture. This table reviews and rebuts each. Do Christians Believe in Three Gods? Review of an anti-Mormon pamphlet. Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves Questions which protestant critics think that Latter-day Saints cannot answer are here answered. 50 Answers from FAIR to 50 Questions Critics Ask Latter-day Saints Even more questions which protestant critics think that Latter-day Saints cannot answer are here answered. Jesus Christ/Joseph Smith DVD A review and examination of this slick anti-Mormon video

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