Christianity Chapter 1: Christian beliefs - 1.1 The Trinity Flashcards
What is the Trinity?
The belief that there is only one God but he exists in three persons:
- God the father
- God the son
- God the Holy Spirit
What is The Nicene Creed and what does it say / reveal about The Trinity?
- A statement of belief recited in church
‘We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth […] We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father […] We believe in the Holy Spirit, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.’
The Nicene Creed reveals the following about the nature of the Trinity:
* God the Father is the creator of the universe and is the ‘Almighty’ (having complete power).
- God the Son is Jesus Christ who is ‘Lord’ and the Son of the Father.
- God the Holy Spirit comes from the Father and the Son. Christians believe the Holy Spirit is the ‘giver of life, meaning he is spiritually active in the world, he helps them to know God and worship him, and he equips and empowers believers.
What is Unitarianism and what is their justification for their beliefs?
Unitarianism reject the idea of the trinity instead believing God is one entity
Their justification is that the word ‘trinity’ has not been mentioned at all in The Bible
In the Bible, where were all three persons of the trinity present at once?
Why is this important?
Jesus’s baptism mentioned in Mathew 3: 16-17
‘As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” ‘
(Matthew 3: 16-17)
This is important because it shows the Trinity working together as one:
- Jesus is baptised to begin his ministry
- The Father speaks his approval,
- The Holy Spirit, with the power of the Father, enables Jesus to begin his work.
How is the trinity reflected in worship and belief today?
Christians use the Trinity as the guide for worship and belief.
God the Father: As the creator Christians believe he cares for all that he has made. They pray to him in the knowledge that he cares about them and is powerful, like Jesus did in the Lord’s Prayer.
- God the Son: Christians believe that he is their saviour, friend and role-model. They follow his example as someone who came into the world to teach people how to live lives of goodness, love and faith. A core belief about Jesus is that he died to take the punishment for humanity’s sins - Worship is therefore often happy and joyful, as Christians express their thanks to God for forgiving their sins and to Jesus for the sacrifice he made.
- God the Holy Spirit: Christians believe that the Holy Spirit is their comforter and guide. They believe that the Holy Spirit lives in their hearts and not only enables them to lead good lives and make the right moral choices, but also helps them to praise and worship God. Charismatic churches, such as the Pentecostal Church and an increasing number of Anglican churches, will ask the Holy Spirit to enable them to worship using spiritual gifts. These church services are often less formal and involve dancing and creative expression.
How does the trinity help Christians understand more about relationships?
They believe that the Trinity is a model of mutual love and perfect unity.
It helps Christians to understand more about relationships because the Trinity is very similar to the way they live. They are not alone, they have families and friends who they can talk to, enjoy time with, and often love.
In the same way, Christians believe the Trinity is a loving relationship with each of the three persons relating to the others - just like a family.
Define charismatic
A power given by God e.g Inspired teaching
