What to say about the Trinity? A lot from me and a little from the pope...

Today is Trinity Sunday, and I confess I'm at a loss for words (yes, it does happen!). In times past, and for some even today, defining "orthodoxy" was and is very important. To such individuals, you MUST believe the faith as outlined in the historic creeds, most notably the Apostles and Nicene creeds. For more information and an to read these creeds, follow the links. In many churches, one (usually Nicene) of these creeds is recited as part of the service, often after the sermon or homily (the subtle difference between these is fodder for another post).

Once Christianity was no longer illegal and a good way to get yourself killed, church leaders became obsessed with orthodoxy and battling (often violently) those who espoused another interpretation of Jesus, His message and the nature of the church. The church "fathers" insisted there was one faith that all must believe to belong to the community and that leads to salvation. All other ways of seeing faith were wrong, heretical and condemned forcefully. The wholesale slaughter of the Albigensians (Cathars) is a perfect example. I remember being taught as a child that I belonged to the "true" church which alone professed and possessed the true faith and the "keys" to salvation.

As the years have passed, and I've experienced much of life in it's wonders and sorrows, I've come to feel that what is essential is getting about the business of making a better (more just) world. I think God, Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the angles and saints are on the side of our getting off our theological duffs and getting about the work inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Love of neighbor (ALL neighbors), feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick and comforting the dying to name a few are what we should be about as people of faith. I don't think God gives a fig about our theological correctness as long as we love one another.

So, on this Trinity Sunday, I confess I haven't a clue about the true nature of God, but I agree (miracles happen) with the Pope who said just a few days ago "We must meet one another doing good." All the theological arguments sort of fade to insignificance if we do so.


Holy Trinity Painting by Mishou Sanchez