Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Trinitarian Meaning: Definition and Examples

☦️
Add to dictionary

trinitarian

[trɪˈnɪtɛriən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

religious doctrine

Trinitarian refers to the belief in the Trinity, which is the Christian doctrine that defines God as three distinct persons in one essence: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This belief is central to many branches of Christianity and emphasizes the unity and complexity of God's nature.

Synonyms

Trinity-related, triadic.

Examples of usage

  • The Trinitarian concept is fundamental to Catholic theology.
  • Many Protestant denominations affirm a Trinitarian view of God.
  • He explained the Trinitarian relationships during the sermon.
Context #2 | Noun

Christian theology

A Trinitarian is a person who adheres to the doctrine of the Trinity. This term is often used to describe Christians who believe in and emphasize the distinct persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within the one Godhead.

Synonyms

Trinitarian Christian, Trinity believer.

Examples of usage

  • As a Trinitarian, she believes in the co-equal nature of the three persons of God.
  • The Trinitarians organized a meeting to discuss their beliefs.
  • He identified as a Trinitarian during the theological debate.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of the Trinity can be traced back to early Christian teachings in the 2nd century CE, where leaders began to articulate the nature of God.
  • The term 'Trinity' was first used by theologian Tertullian in the 3rd century, merging 'tri' (three) with 'unitas' (unity).
  • The First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE was pivotal in defining the relationship between the Father and the Son, laying groundwork for Trinitarian doctrine.

Religious Texts

  • The concept of God as a Trinity is not explicitly stated in the Bible but is inferred from various passages, such as Matthew 28:19.
  • Key Biblical figures like Augustine and Athanasius wrote extensively on Trinitarian theology, helping shape this belief system.
  • The Nicene Creed, established in the 4th century, formalized the understanding of the Trinity for many Christian denominations.

Cultural Impact

  • Trinitarian themes appear in many forms of art, from Renaissance paintings depicting the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to modern films exploring divine relationships.
  • In literature, authors like C.S. Lewis have explored Trinitarian themes, using allegories to describe complex theological ideas.
  • Many Christian denominations celebrate the concept of the Trinity through rituals and feasts, such as Trinity Sunday in the Western church.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the implications of the Trinity on human understanding of love and community, seeing it as a model for relationships.
  • The Trinity encourages discussions around the nature of identity and unity within diversity, influencing philosophical thought for centuries.
  • Various philosophical inquiries continue to explore how the Trinity relates to concepts of being, existence, and the nature of reality.

Comparative Religion

  • While Trinitarianism is unique to Christianity, concepts of a triadic nature exist in other religions, such as Hinduism’s Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva).
  • Dialogues between Trinitarian Christianity and other faiths often focus on understanding divine nature and how God interacts with humanity.
  • Some non-Trinitarian sects within Christianity argue against the Trinity, emphasizing the oneness of God without distinct persons.

Origin of 'trinitarian'

The term 'Trinitarian' derives from the Latin word 'Trinitas,' which means 'three-in-one' or 'triad.' This concept was developed in early Christian theology to articulate the relationship between God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The formal establishment of the doctrine of the Trinity occurred during the early ecumenical councils, particularly the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which sought to settle disputes regarding the divinity of Christ and His relationship to the Father. Over the centuries, the term has been used to distinguish those who support the traditional understanding of the Trinity from those with non-Trinitarian beliefs, such as Unitarians or modalists.