09-03-2009, 02:40 PM
This is a reply from another forum, but perhaps it will be helpful here.
Quote:It is impossible to teach people to love with hate, or courage through fear, or charity through greed, or humility through pride. If, however, you embrace love, courage, charity and humility, then you can teach them all.
Jesus is the high water mark in this regard.
Just because there are two parts to the divine, or three, does not mean that they cannot communicate with one another. I suppose when we are dead, we might know how exactly the divine is structured.
Jesus was on Earth as an example for us. The story is certainly rich, and everyone can take from it what they wish. Personally, I am happy for the medicine. You seem to be more interested in the who and how it was delivered; I am more interested in the medicine.
I find the same thing occurs in regard to politics. People are more interested in the gossip of personalities, rather than solving the problems.
What of the great problems that mankind struggles with is that they accept messengers, but are not too keen on the message. Unfortunately, I don't believe that virtue by association is a good argument. It is far easier to glorify God than to follow him, which is why there are many rebukes in scripture about the unimportance of rituals without the faith to go along with it.
Quote:"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. 30And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers! -Mathew 23
Again, Jesus himself puts God and the Holy Spirit as separate associates. The Qu'ran affirms both as well. The issue is only in regard to using the term trinity. Perhaps the trinity should not be taught because it is trouble for people like yourself to grasp. It is a wedge that the Devil can use to lead people astray. Hence, 'not good.' Paul similarly suggests that people should not engage in customs that others find troubling, even though there is nothing wrong with the custome itself, per se, but because it is better to not create unnecessary divisions.
Obviously, with all the various ways of worshiping one God, that advice has not been heeded. On the contrary, everyone is confident of their claim, and are stiff-necked and unyielding.