RE: Trinity models (was Re: Physical Resurrection)

An electron is a particle or a wave after a measurement has been
performed on it. Beforehand, our knowledge of what an electron is
limited by the precepts of quantum mechanics. Similarly, our knowledge
of God is limited and it is up to Him to decide what we "measure." The
incarnation was a realization of God that allowed humans a more direct
access of Who God is.

Moorad

________________________________

From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu [mailto:asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu] On
Behalf Of George Murphy
Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 8:56 AM
To: ASA list
Subject: Trinity models (was Re: Physical Resurrection)

I noted in my earlier post that all analogies for the Trinity fail at
some point, so I hesitate to criticize individual suggestions too much.
But I should point out that some of those proposed here do illustrate
the point I made about the tendency of models (at least in the western
church) to verge on modalism. An electron is a wave or a particle, not
both at the same time. But the Trinity is Father and Son and Spirit,
not Father or Son or Spirit. Similarly for the roles of a person as
physicis and tennis player and father. The roles aren't as sharply
distinguished there but you see the problem with that analogy by asking
if it makes sense for the father to make a request to the physicist, as
Jesus prays to his Father.

Those whose ideas verge on modalism are in good company. Karl Barth and
Karl Rahner, two 20th century theologians who are largely responsible
for the recent revival of interest in trinitarian theology, are both in
it. But it's still risky & some correctives are needed, even if they
veer toward the opposite boundary that marks off tritheism.

Shalom
George
http://web.raex.com/~gmurphy/
Received on Wed Apr 12 09:44:00 2006