Well I have had a few replies to my Analogy of the Trinity and some time to reflect upon them; and all I can say is that it is impossible in Human terms to describe the Trinity and Alister McGrath was right when he said, “That this is something we can't comprehend this side of Eternity.”
Again, whilst My Hammer analogy veers a little towards Modalism, as do most other illustrations, I still think it helps us to realize that although the individual “persons” of the Trinity have unique aspects, they are still the one substance.
Of course and again the Hammer is only an analogy , being both man made, and thus it is necessary for someone to wield it. But again, it was/is, simply to show the working unity of the one God-Head.
An egg has also been used to describe the Trinity, however to get the use of the individual parts of the egg, you have to break it and then lose the “Oneness” of the egg forever.
Anyway the Hammer is my thoughts on the matter currently; use it or don’t use it as you see fit. Thanks again to all those who took the time and trouble to reply. Thanks again.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
My analogy of the Trinity.
Last night I was reading a book on, and called, “Historical Theology” by Alister E. McGrath (Blackwell publishing, 1998, reprint 2003) and In his section on the Patristic period of the Church (AD c.100 – 451) he mentioned the problems that arose in the Early Church in trying to describe the Trinity in an analogy that anyone could understand, without the danger of it running into Modalism. That is where the parts or modes, are distinct and distinctly separate. i.e. First one mode, then the other, then the next; such as with the common analogies of an egg (Shell, white & Yolk) or Water/ Ice/ Steam. All of which can be separated from the others and still function in some way.
And so there I was, sitting there, thinking, with this problem/question, hammering away at my brain, when suddenly an idea hit me like a hammer. The thought was so simple that I couldn’t believe that no one else had ever thought of it before. Which then made me worry that maybe it isn’t so great after all, and thus just like all of the others (such as Eggs & Water) has been tried before and found wanting. However, despite that concern, I have decided to write out my analogy of the Trinity and put it down for others to see, and to see who can be the first to shoot holes in my bright idea.
So here is my bright analogy/ idea that hit me like a hammer. Hit me like a claw hammer, that is! But first: Please remember that any analogy, even the best, can never properly refer fully to God. All we can do is say, God is a wee, little, tiny bit like this or that analogy.
Anyway, my analogy says that God is a little like a Carpenter’s or Claw hammer.
1. A claw hammer has a flat-headed surface to drive nails in with. It is also the part of the hammer, most people relate too when they hear the word hammer too!
2. A claw hammer also has a claw to help pull or separate things apart from other things.
3. A claw hammer also has a nail pulling application between the two claws of the hammer. Often not seen or noticed by most, but always there.
Thus a claw hammer is like God, in that a claw hammer has 3 separate and distinct functions within the one unity. And just like God, the whole hammer participates in every action of the hammer, no matter which application is being applied at any one time.
So just like with my claw hammer, every action of the Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit/Ghost) is part of and involved with each and every other action and part of the Trinity at the same time. They are never separate parts, acting separately from the others, but all working as one, despite whichever distinct action is being applied at any particular time.
Well, there was my brilliant analogy of the Trinity, what say you? Has it been used before? And what are the weaknesses with it? Your constructive thoughts please?
And so there I was, sitting there, thinking, with this problem/question, hammering away at my brain, when suddenly an idea hit me like a hammer. The thought was so simple that I couldn’t believe that no one else had ever thought of it before. Which then made me worry that maybe it isn’t so great after all, and thus just like all of the others (such as Eggs & Water) has been tried before and found wanting. However, despite that concern, I have decided to write out my analogy of the Trinity and put it down for others to see, and to see who can be the first to shoot holes in my bright idea.
So here is my bright analogy/ idea that hit me like a hammer. Hit me like a claw hammer, that is! But first: Please remember that any analogy, even the best, can never properly refer fully to God. All we can do is say, God is a wee, little, tiny bit like this or that analogy.
Anyway, my analogy says that God is a little like a Carpenter’s or Claw hammer.
1. A claw hammer has a flat-headed surface to drive nails in with. It is also the part of the hammer, most people relate too when they hear the word hammer too!
2. A claw hammer also has a claw to help pull or separate things apart from other things.
3. A claw hammer also has a nail pulling application between the two claws of the hammer. Often not seen or noticed by most, but always there.
Thus a claw hammer is like God, in that a claw hammer has 3 separate and distinct functions within the one unity. And just like God, the whole hammer participates in every action of the hammer, no matter which application is being applied at any one time.
So just like with my claw hammer, every action of the Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit/Ghost) is part of and involved with each and every other action and part of the Trinity at the same time. They are never separate parts, acting separately from the others, but all working as one, despite whichever distinct action is being applied at any particular time.
Well, there was my brilliant analogy of the Trinity, what say you? Has it been used before? And what are the weaknesses with it? Your constructive thoughts please?
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