In April I started blogging Mike Reeves’ talks on the Trinity. I’ll continue this week by discussing the West’s greatest idol: one god, not Trinity. Why is this idol so tempting Westerners?
One god is clever
Westerners think belief in one god is more intelligent. Jews and Muslims are respected more than Pagans or Hindus.
Therefore, Christians are desperate to be seen as Monotheistic (one god) crowd, rather than define themselves as Trinitarian.
One god is simple
Because the Trinity is difficult many say it’s illogical. In fact it’s the opposite! If God did exist why do you think he would be simple to understand?
It’s easy to make up one god. He can be your highest ideal and he can be easy to get your head around. Trinity gods are too complex.
One god is easy to sell
Muslims and Jews understand us when we talk about one god. We’re desperate to gain some ground so we claim to be monotheist.
The fact is we’re as much polytheists (many gods) as we are monotheists, because we’re neither. The trinity is something completely different.
In coming posts I’m going to get on to a helpful and easy definition of the trinity. But in the next few days I’ll post how monotheism undermines the Bible and how even sound Reformed Christians fail on this topic.
Tim is at Durham University training to be a primary school teacher. A Bible-believing Christian, he's committed to putting Jesus at the centre of everything he does.
6 comments
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May 9, 2008 at 7:23 pm
dave
Reeves, not Reeve’s - though we could use more than one of Mike.
May 9, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Tim Wilson
Whoops! Thanks Dave. Though I agree multiple Mikes would be great!
May 10, 2008 at 11:19 am
rjs1
Should be interesting. Have you read John Owen’s Communion With God?
May 10, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Tim Wilson
No, I haven’t, but I’d love to. Have heard it’s a really good book, but currently have a stack about 12 books high. Does it discuss something related?
P.S. Sorry for the late reply been out all day!
May 11, 2008 at 3:43 pm
rjs1
I know what that is like!
Owen gives great advice on how to fellowship with each person of the trinity individually. It is great experiental advice grounded upon sound theology.
The review from MonergismBooks:
“Law’s worthy abridgement of John Owen’s spiritual classic Communion with God, is perhaps the best text ever written on the foundation and function of the believers communion (that is, their “mutual relation”) with God. A mine of Trinitarian theology, Owen presents the Christian life as one of secure though fragile, constant yet varied, blissful but strenuous communion with God. In the third chapter, while reflecting on the love “distinctly ascribed to the Father,” Owen records, “The greatest sorrow and burden you can lay on the Father, the greatest unkindness you can do to him is not to believe that he loves you.” Coming from the same man who penned The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, these are truly remarkable and profound words. There is hardly a more suitable book to extol the glory of God’s Triune affection for His own great name and His people’s eternal good. Among the best experimental/devotional books ever written. Make sure you have a copy of this on your shelf!”
May 11, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Tim Wilson
Sounds awesome. I love the Puritans for their experiential approach. Thanks for the plug!