The document discusses the Trinity doctrine from historical and biblical perspectives. It summarizes the teachings of early creeds on the Trinity and examines how Greek philosophy and traditions of men may have influenced early Christian beliefs. The document asserts that the Bible presents God as one and Jesus as His human Son, while the Holy Spirit is God's power, not a person. It warns that traditions of men have led to corruption of Christian doctrine and urges holding fast to what is revealed in Scripture.

1. The Trinity – Fact or Fiction? 29 th June 2008 — Laindon

2. What is the Trinity? The Gospel records The Apostles’ writings The Apostles’ creed The Nicene creed The Athanasian creed The Trentine creed 0 100 300 600 1500

3. Athanasian Creed (1) Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic faith. Which faith except everyone do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlasting. And the Catholic faith is this: that we worship one God in trinity, and trinity in unity, neither confounding the persons, nor dividing the substance. For there is one person of the father, another of the son, and another of the Holy Ghost [Spirit] but the godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost [Spirit], is all one, the glory equal, the majesty co-eternal such as the father is, such is the son, and such is the Holy Ghost [Spirit]. The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate, and the Holy Ghost [Spirit] uncreate. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Ghost [Spirit] incomprehensible. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Ghost [Spirit] eternal and yet they are not three eternals, but one eternal. As also there are not three incomprehensibles, nor three uncreated, but one uncreated and one incomprehensible

4. Athanasian Creed (2) So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Ghost [Spirit] Almighty, and yet they are not three Almighties, but one Almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost [Spirit] is God. And yet they are not three Gods, but one God so likewise the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, and the Holy Ghost [Spirit] is Lord. And yet not three Lords, but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every person by himself to be both God and Lord. So are we forbidden by the Catholic religion, to say, there be three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none, neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone, not made, not created, but begotten. The Holy Ghost [Spirit] is of the Father and of the Son, neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost [Spirit], not three Holy Ghosts [Spirits]

7. The Religions of Men Rest of the World - Polytheism Babylonians Medo-Persians Greeks Jesus & Apostles Christianity Romans Concept of Trinity first appears in Christian beliefs 4000BC 2000BC 0AD 2000AD The God of the Hebrews Judaism “ Hear O Israel, the Lord your God is one Lord”

11. The Traditions of Men Divine Revelation v Traditions of Men

12. Three Greek Philosophers Zeno 336-264 BC Plotinus AD 204-270 Plato 429-347 BC

15. The Traditions of Men Jesus teaches his disciples He sends out his apostles The apostles warn of corruption Rome persecutes the Christians Constantine makes Christianity the State religion He ‘pays’ the bishops to settle their disputes Christianity spreads Corruption spreads Constantine attributes his military success to Christianity

17. The Traditions of Men You better believe it (but we don’t)

24. The Message is Clear: HOLD FAST