Beloveds,
The Doctrine of the Trinity has been a source of contention throughout history. It asserts that God exists as one God in three distinct persons: the Parent, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are co-eternal, co-equal in nature, power, and glory, and share one divine essence or substance. This is often summarized as “one being and three persons”.
There has been a flawed attempt to illustrate the concept through water in its three states (solid, liquid, and gas). The argument is that water can only be liquid, ice, or steam at a given moment. In contrast, the Trinity is understood to be one God existing simultaneously as Parent, Son, and Holy Spirit. While water changes its form depending on temperature, the Trinity is understood to be eternal and unchanging. Parent, Son, and Holy Spirit are always distinct persons within the one God.
Now that we’ve got that settled.
Have you heard of the “Fourth Person of the Trinity”? I know – heretical! Armageddon is before us.
In a “Center for Action and Contemplation” post from September 2016, Fr. Richard Rohr supports the thought through the concept of flow. He couches it with the idea that it “fits the ‘dynamic’ metaphysical principle that ‘the inter-weaving of the three [always] produces a fourth’ on another level”. I see your heads tilted to the side like our canine companions.
Bring your questions this Sunday at 10 am on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream as Rev. Barbara K. Peronteau shares her wisdom on “The Fourth Person of the Trinity.” Bring a curious friend!
Love,
Rev. Michael
P.S. Please consider joining our contingent on Saturday for the Pride March and Celebration.