First Tom, the is a thread where we can discuss religion freely and still walk away friends. None of us take anything personal and we all know that there are many differences of opinion. It is all OK.
Second, Mike here is where we will have to disagree a little. I do believe in the Trinity but it is never mentioned or explained in the Bible. The two passages you quoted are the main supportive passages for the concept of the trinity. Again I said I believe in the Trinity because it makes sense based on the two passages but I would hate to hang my salvation on it.
I will give you a definition of the Trinity but it will be a quote from a man by the name of Pat Robertson. Now, there are people who have issues with him but this is the best definition I have seen to date. Boy, I hesitate because of the can of worms this will open.
The Trinity is one of the great theological mysteries. The Trinity is defined as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Father is the fountainhead of the Trinity, the Creator, the first cause. He is the primary thought , the concept of all that has been and will be created.
The Son, is the expression of God - the "only begotten" of the Father - and He Himself is God. As God incarnate, He reveals the Father to us. The Son of God is both the agent of creation and mankind's only Redeemer.
The Holy Spirit, The third person in the Trinity, proceeds from the Father, and is worshiped and glorified together with the Father and the Son. He inspired the Scriptures, empowers God's people.
In the Holy Eucharist, Catholic communion, the priest says, "In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Some priests will drop the "God the" off and say, "In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen."
This concept has been around for many years and Biblical scholars could tell you a lot more than I could even begin to say.
To keep it simple for me I see it as one God, three aspects.
Third, Rob, don't worry the only blasphemous thing you could do is to deny the existence of God your whole life. I don't think that is an issue for you. That is to the best of my knowledge.
Peace.....BLOODY PEACE!!!!!!.....You guys are all so self righteous but look at how many wars have been because of bloody religion:@
Tom I went back and re-read your post. How is it possible that you would know those who believe in God well enough to know if they are self righteous or not?
Yes there have been wars started in the name of religion. It doesn't mean that they were right. People were burned at the stake by religious people but most all Christians don't believe in that either. Answer me this. How many wars have been started for things other than religion? The Gulf war was started because, as it was reported, of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Some say it was over oil.
My point is why lump all religious people into one basket and blame them? I didn't have anything to do with the religious wars of the past just as I didn't have anything to do with the Gulf war.
