She was burned to death in England in 1550. Her name? Joan Bocher. Her crime? The Encyclopedia Britannica (1964) says: "She was condemned for open blasphemy in denying the Trinity, the one offense which all the church had regarded as unforgiving ever since the struggle with Arianism."
The Trinity is a fundamental doctrine of the vast majority of churches. But what exactly is the Trinity? The Waverley Encyclopedia defines it as "the mystery of one God in three persons--the father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, co-equal and co-eternal in all things." Yet, the New Encyclopedia Britannica (1981) says, "Neither the word Trinity, nor the explicit doctrine as such, appears in the New Testament." This immediately raises questions about the doctrine.
When did the Trinity doctrine begin? Answers The New Encyclopedia Britannica (1981), "The doctrine developed gradually over several centuries and through many controversies." Does that sound to you like a direct, clear revelation from God? So how can it be a revelation of Holy Scripture, as is claimed?
A Biblical statement that church teachers often use to support the Trinity is Jesus' command that his followers make disciples, "baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the holy spirit." (Matthew 28:19) This passage certainly mentions three entities, but it does not say that they are three persons or that they are all one. Furthermore, we know the name of the Father (Jehovah) and of the Son (Jesus), but what is the name of the holy spirit? This leads to the question...
The fact that the Bible gives no indication of the holy spirit's having a personal name at least suggests that it may not be a person. You may ask also, 'Has the holy spirit ever been seen?' Well, at jesus' baptism it was manifested as a dove and at Pentecost as tongues as if of fire. (Matthew 3:16; Acts 2:3, 4) If it is a person, why did it not appear as a person? And if the holy spirit is not a person, what is it? Undoubtedly, it is the active force from God that at Pentecost was 'poured out' on the disciples. (Acts 2:17, 18) By this active force, Jehovah performed his acts of creation--"God's active force was moving to and fro over the surface of the waters." (Genesis 1:2) The same active force inspired the writers of the Bible. --2 Timothy 3:16.
The final book of the Bible--Revelation--describes other remarkable heavenly visions. The Supreme Being, Jehovah, is depicted there on his throne, and the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is with him. But, again, the holy spirit is not mentioned as a distinct person. (Revelation, chapters 4-6) So even the last Bible book does not reveal a trinity. This raises...
Jesus' disciples, being Israelites, believes that Jehovah is unique. To this day, Jews recite Deuteronomy 6:4: "Listen, O Israel, Jehovah Our God is one jehovah."
Some might argue: 'But Jesus did say, "I and the Father are one."' (John 10:30) True. In what sense, though, are they one? Jesus himself clarified this later by saying in prayer, "Father, watch over [my disciples]...in order that they may be one just as we are one." (John 17:11, 22) Hence, the unity of Father and Son is the same as the unity that exists among Christ's true followers--a harmony of purpose and cooperation.
Some may suggest that John spelled out the Trinity at 1 John 5:7, which says in the King James Version, "There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one." However, more modern versions omit this passage. Why? The Jerusalem Bible explains that this text is spurious and no doubt added in an attempt to support the Trinity.
Trinitarians say yes. Yet you should be more interested in what Jesus said: "The Father is greater than I am." (John 14:28) "The Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he beholds the Father doing." (John 5:19) Paul added, "The head of the Christ is God."--1 Corinthians 11:3.
Consider carefully, too, these questions: Does Jehovah have a God? Obviously not, he is supreme, the Almighty. Does Jesus have a God? Evidently so, because peter wrote, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."--John 20:17; 1 Peter 1:3.
Has God ever died? 'Of course not', might be your correct response. God is immortal. Habakkuk said of Jehovah, "My holy one, you do not die." (Habakkuk 1:12) In contrast, Jesus did die. Who raised him from the dead? Said Peter, "God raised [Christ] from the dead." It is evident, then, that Jesus is not the Supreme Being.
Has God ever been seen? "No man has seen God at any time." (John 1:18) Yet thousands saw Jesus on earth. Has god ever prayed to anyone? to whom could be pray? He is the 'Hearer of Prayer.' (Psalm 65:2) And Jesus? He frequently prayed to his father, even spending a whole night in prayer.
Yes. This common belief distorts the simple Bible truths that Jehovah alone is the Supreme Being, that Jesus is his Son, and that the holy spirit is God's active force. this doctrine causes confusion by presenting God is a haze of mystery, leading to spiritual darkness.
If you have believed the Trinity, what should you now do? We urge you to study God's Word and publications that will help you understand the Bible. Doing so is vital. Jesus said that everlasting life depends on taking in knowledge of him and of Jehovah--"the only true God."--John 17:3.
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