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Did the Early Church invent the Trinity?

...artyrs we love as disciples and imitators of the Lord  — Martyrdom Of Polycarp 17:3, ~ A.D. 155 Theophilus of Antioch (c. 170) In like manner also the three days which were before the luminaries, are types of the Trinity, of God, and His Word, and His wisdom. And the fourth is the type of man, who needs light, that so there may be God, the Word, wisdom, man.  — Of the Fourth Day, Chapter XV ~A.D. 170 Athenagoras of Athens (c. 176–180) But the Son of God is the Logos of the Father, in idea and in operation; for after the pattern of Him and by Him were all things made, the Father and the Son being one. And, the Son being in the Father and the...

Jesus, Mithras and Ancient Roman Cults: Separating Fact from Fiction

...chings of love, compassion, and forgiveness. His miracles, such as healing the sick, command over nature and turning water into wine, demonstrate his divine power and connection to God as Lord and creator of the world. Another key difference is the fact that women were excluded from the Mithraic cult, which lies in stark contrast to Christianity which, in many ways, elevated the status of women. Jesus openly had women disciples and included them in his ministry and witness, as well as financial and other support (Luke 8:1–3) which went against the grain of society at the time (and later, even hosting churches in their homes!). For example, the scholarly view...

Unveiling the Trinity: Exploring the Nature of Jesus and the Incarnation

...rist, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, reinforcing the triune nature of God. Early Church Fathers and the Development of Doctrine Early church fathers, such as Augustine, played a pivotal role in formulating the doctrine of the Trinity, emphasising the nature of the Godhead as three persons in one essence. Irenaeus (c. 130-202): In "Against Heresies," Irenaeus refuted Gnostic views and affirmed the divinity of Christ, emphasising the importance of the Son in the economy of salvation. Tertullian (c. 155-240): Tertullian coined the term "Trinity" (Latin: "Trinitas") and laid the foundation for early Trinitarian thought in his...

The Early Concept of the Trinity: Tracing the Roots

...rist, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. Further Reading The Didache | Patristics.info Clement of Rome: 1 Clement | Patristics.info Ignatius of Antioch | Patristics.info Justin Martyr: First Apology | Patristics.info Ignatius of Antioch’s View of the Trinity | Orthocath (wordpress.com) Early Trinitarian quotes by Early Church Fathers | carm.org Where did the word “trinity” originate? | Bible.org The Triune God: A Historical Study of the Doctrine of the Trinity: Amazon.co.uk: Fortman, Edmund J: 9781579102234: Books The Birth of the Trinity: Jesus, God, and Spirit in New Testament and Early Christian Int...

Did St. Nicholas Really Slap Arius?

...chings on love and forgiveness. WWJD? Reflecting on the Arius memes, it’s essential to strike a balance. While humour has its place, some jokes may lead those weaker in the faith, and unbelieving onlookers, to assume that some acts of violence are OK and ‘approved’ by Jesus and the Church, and understanding the legendary aspect to this particular story about Saint Nick and Arius could help to alleviate that.   Further Reading Who was the real Santa Claus? | The Sacred Faith: Timeless Truths for Modern Minds Let’s Stop Celebrating St. Nicholas Punching Arius| National Catholic Register (ncregister.com) Bishop Nicholas Loses His Cool ::: S...

Lent: Day 5 - Ignatius to the Ephesians

...armonious love, Jesus Christ is sung. Chapter six has warnings against false teachers, which, by the statement about Christ's nature that follows, would seem to be combating Docetism like Polycarp's letter also did. But whereas Polycarp referenced 1 John 4, Ignatius gives us an early glimpse of the view of Christ's deity and dual nature: There is one Physician who is possessed both of flesh and spirit; both made and not made; God existing in flesh; true life in death; both of Mary and of God; first passible and then impassible, even Jesus Christ our Lord … God Himself being manifested in human form for the renewal of eternal life. Considering the date of th...