Going To Trinity Churches ? - Page 6

*AQuietPlace* · #1 02-17-2009, 03:29 PM

There really is not just ONE explanation for the trinity, or ONE explanation for Oneness. You'll find varying explanations from both camps.

There are dogmatic trinitarians just as there are dogmatic oneness people. Both sides can be eager to say that the other side is going to hell.

The majority of trinitarians that I have read, or talked to, are not tri-theistic. They will tell you emphatically that there is one God. They do believe that He has expressed Himself in three persons (although one trinitarian scholar that I read stated that 'persons' was probably not the best word to use). Oneness people use the word 'manifestations'. But if you talk to them, they often explain the godhead using the exact terms and explanations that we use.

I could never, ever accept that there is more than One God. But I'm also cautious in stating that all trinitarians believe in three gods. Because most that I've talked to don't. I've scratched my head a few times when listening to their explanations, because - hmmm.... that sounds like exactly what we believe!

Not all of them, but some. Particularly the more educated ones. This has just been my personal experience.

But then there are others.... yep. Three Gods. They are the ones that are waaaay off.

crakjak · #2 02-17-2009, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

There really is not just ONE explanation for the trinity, or ONE explanation for Oneness. You'll find varying explanations from both camps.

There are dogmatic trinitarians just as there are dogmatic oneness people. Both sides can be eager to say that the other side is going to hell.

The majority of trinitarians that I have read, or talked to, are not tri-theistic. They will tell you emphatically that there is one God. They do believe that He has expressed Himself in three persons (although one trinitarian scholar that I read stated that 'persons' was probably not the best word to use). Oneness people use the word 'manifestations'. But if you talk to them, they often explain the godhead using the exact terms and explanations that we use.

I could never, ever accept that there is more than One God. But I'm also cautious in stating that all trinitarians believe in three gods. Because most that I've talked to don't. I've scratched my head a few times when listening to their explanations, because - hmmm.... that sounds like exactly what we believe!

Not all of them, but some. Particularly the more educated ones. This has just been my personal experience.

But then there are others.... yep. Three Gods. They are the ones that are waaaay off.

I have never heard a trinitarian say that they believe in three Gods, they believe in one God manifested in three ways that tradition describes as persons. The three persons are not persons as we would normally understand persons. I know that oneness believe in one God in manifested in three manifestions. Do oneness believe in distintion between Father and Son? Yes, we do and then we explain it away. All Trinity that I know believe that Jesus is God manifested in flesh.

The truth is more the middle ground between the two postions, but our disagreements push both sides further from the truth.

*AQuietPlace* · #3 02-18-2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crakjak

I have never heard a trinitarian say that they believe in three Gods, they believe in one God manifested in three ways that tradition describes as persons. The three persons are not persons as we would normally understand persons. I know that oneness believe in one God in manifested in three manifestions. Do oneness believe in distintion between Father and Son? Yes, we do and then we explain it away. All Trinity that I know believe that Jesus is God manifested in flesh.

The truth is more the middle ground between the two postions, but our disagreements push both sides further from the truth.

You will occasionally find one who expects to see three when they get to heaven. But for the most part, they expect to see one.

Innocuous · #4 02-17-2009, 06:39 PM

Ya'll can avoid 'trinity' churches all you want, that's your loss. God is just as present and active in 'trinity' churches as he is in OP churches. From my perspective that is undebatable. It would seem then that these doctrinal issues are of less importance than some would like to believe.

The Lemon · #5 02-18-2009, 08:34 AM

It is ashame that there are so many divisions in Christendom in general. Having been in OP church's for 16-years, I can say that I have seen much good, and also much bad. I suspect that is the case in many church's, regardless of demoninal affiliation.

I still maintain my honest opinion, and that is, if folks would seek a balance in life, doctrine, etc., etc. i feel that there would be a considerable amount less fighting and dividing over issues. I remember hearing a Ultra Con actually say that a balance is the same as compromise.....Are you kidding??? I remember the Bible talking about a just weight and an equal balance.

On the other hand, I have talked with many Ultra Libs and it seems that some of those folks want no accountability and in some cases responsibility. There has to be a centered approach in the Love of Christ. It is sad to me that it seems alot of Christians are either in one camp or another - there seems to be very little if any room for middle ground and wholistic view.

Seems whenever their are "sides" - one always tries to justify thir point of view, and really no one ever agrees or will ultimately accept the other. It is sad that there are so many that refuse church because they have been hurt and or abused by leadership that really ought to know better. It is also sad that some folks refuse to go to church because appeasing their conscience is a better option to them.

We all really need the love of Christ to permeate us, remove the scales of judgementalism from our eyes - so we can truly love one another and people in general. i really believe alot of the issues we debate are just distractions - the Enemy must be rubbing both hands together loving all the squabbles and fights and politics.

Bottom line is not "religion" it is RELATIONSHIP. To borrow a phrase from the corporate world......"It's not what you know, it's who you know" i want to know HIM!!

Scott Hutchinson · #6 02-18-2009, 09:41 AM

Suppose someone from a oneness background starts taking their family to a trini church,and that person's children or grandchildren does repent,wants to be baptized surely someone would not let their children or grandkids be baptized in the titles.
This I can't see.
I do know a situation where a person has a father who is a oneness preacher started attending a oneness church,and her kids who had baptized in the name of Jesus,were rebaptized in the titles of Father,Son,Holy Ghost isn't that alot to answer for ?
I can't see allowing that to happen.
Aren't some truths worth contending for ?

Light · #7 02-18-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

Suppose someone from a oneness background starts taking their family to a trini church,and that person's children or grandchildren does repent,wants to be baptized surely someone would not let their children or grandkids be baptized in the titles.
This I can't see.
I do know a situation where a person has a father who is a oneness preacher started attending a oneness church,and her kids who had baptized in the name of Jesus,were rebaptized in the titles of Father,Son,Holy Ghost isn't that alot to answer for ?
I can't see allowing that to happen.
Aren't some truths worth contending for ?

Br Truth doesn't matter to some any more.

Ritamuffin57 · #8 02-18-2009, 11:54 AM

Our family was introduced to the oneness message, Jesus name baptism in the 1940's (I wasn't yet born) under Rev. Huxtra, Calvary Tab, Indianapolis, Ind. I grew up with the awareness that we had a treasure in this truth. My husband converted to this doctrine from a life of Catholic schools and church and is an avid researcher of these two doctrines. He and his French Catholic family belived in three distinct persons. His father took him to two priests when he converted, one of whom lost his temper and threw a booK in the session! We love, and to a degree, fellowship those who are not of this persuasion. However, we are aware of the fact that it matters not so much the distance you are from the truth, but which direction you are facing. Also, we did not leave it up to the church or pastor (we now live in sw Louisiana and have a great pastor and church) to teach our children the truth. We taught them as they could comprehend over time.