Jonah: The concept of the Trinity is a cornerstone of Christian faith. It reflects the unity and diversity of God’s nature as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Scripture clearly supports this doctrine. For instance, in Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Notice the singular “name” used to describe the three distinct persons. This demonstrates their unity as one God.

Carl: I believe the Bible doesn’t explicitly teach the Trinity as a formal doctrine. The word “Trinity” isn’t even in the Bible. The passage you referenced, Matthew 28:19, could be more about highlighting the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the process of salvation rather than proving a metaphysical unity. For example, the early church didn’t seem to interpret this as proof of the Trinity but as a liturgical formula for baptism.

Jonah: But the Bible often shows the divine nature of Jesus and the Holy Spirit alongside God the Father. For instance, in John 1:1, it says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Later in John 1:14, we learn that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” clearly identifying Jesus as God. Similarly, the Holy Spirit is called God in Acts 5:3-4, where lying to the Holy Spirit is equated to lying to God. Doesn’t this point to a triune God?

Carl: I agree that those verses highlight the divinity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but they don’t necessarily prove the concept of the Trinity as understood in later creeds like the Nicene Creed. John 1:1 could be interpreted as showing a unique relationship between Jesus (the Word) and God rather than asserting they are the same being. Early Jewish Christians likely saw Jesus as the divine agent of God’s will, not as God Himself. As for the Holy Spirit, it is often described as God’s presence or power in action, not as a separate person.

Jonah: The unity of the three persons is also evident in 2 Corinthians 13:14, where Paul writes, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” This blessing brings together all three persons in a way that suggests equality and partnership. How do you interpret that?

Carl: That verse does mention the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but it might not imply a metaphysical unity. It could simply reflect their different roles in the lives of believers: God’s love, Jesus’ grace, and the Spirit’s fellowship. The Trinity as a doctrine was formalised much later, shaped by philosophical debates rather than direct Biblical statements.

Jonah: Jesus Himself claimed unity with the Father in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” And in John 14:16-17, He promises the Holy Spirit as another advocate, distinct yet working in complete harmony with the Father and Son. Doesn’t this support the idea of the Trinity?

Carl: When Jesus said, “I and the Father are one,” the context suggests unity of purpose, not essence. The Jewish leaders understood it as blasphemy because they saw Jesus claiming a unique relationship with God, but that doesn’t necessarily confirm the Trinity. As for the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17, it’s described as “the Spirit of truth,” which could be understood as God’s active presence rather than a distinct person within a triune Godhead.

Jonah: I see where you’re coming from, but I believe the cumulative evidence in Scripture supports the Trinity. The Bible shows that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share divine attributes and work together in creation, redemption, and sanctification. Even if the term “Trinity” isn’t in Scripture, the concept is unmistakably there.

Carl: I think it’s important to acknowledge that the Trinity is a later theological development, influenced by Greek philosophical concepts. While Scripture highlights the relationship and roles of the Father, Son, and Spirit, it leaves room for diverse interpretations. For me, faith isn’t about rigid doctrines but about living out the love and grace that Jesus taught.

Our faith calls us to continuously seek wisdom and understanding. It’s vital for us, as Christians, to engage in these dialogues, always aiming to reflect God’s love and wisdom in our lives and the lives of those around us.