Doctrine of Trinity, Free Online Course, Preface
The Bible is the only book in the world, which tells us that there is only one God and that this one God is: God the Father, God the Son And God the Holy Spirit. This concept has given rise to many controversies; some have argued that this is an unreasonable idea, which originated as result of misunderstanding and misinterpreting the Word of God. Interpretations aimed at proving that Jesus Christ is not God and that the Holy Spirit is not a person, but is just the active force of God have appeared since the third century. However, in the 20th century a great effort was made by some people to support these ‘interpretations’ by a ‘translation’ known as the “New World Translation.” The fourth chapter of this book cites certain typical examples of these interpretations and translations with a view to enabling the readers to evaluate their ‘reliability.’ It is a fact that those who make an in-depth study of the Bible find it impossible to support either this translation or the interpretations that necessitated it.
The purpose of this book is to induce students of the Bible to study the Word of God carefully and truthfully and come to their own conclusions. It is true that this is so designed as to prove that the concept of Trinity is perfectly biblical. Several arguments and interpretations questioning the validity of Trinity are examined here and readers are provided with sufficient analytical data to find out what is right and what is wrong. As the author, I believe that the arguments put forward in support of Trinity are perfectly reasonable and that all the major arguments challenging the validity of Trinity are proved to be erroneous. It is acknowledged with gratitude that Dr. C. J. Joseph, Pattikkad, Trichur has helped me with the necessary information about the correct meanings of the Hebrew and Greek words referred to in this book.
It is hoped that this book will clear the doubts of those who find it difficult to come to a definite conclusion with regard to the concept of Trinity. They are likely to come across answers to unanswered questions and questions which cannot be answered by those who mistranslate and misinterpret the Word of God. I acknowledge with deep gratitude that it was the great interest my late parents [Mrs. Rachel John & Mr. T. K. John, Thyparampil, Narakathani, Ezhumattoor, Tiruvalla] showed in biblical scholarship that led me to develop the habit of studying scriptural passages in depth, which I hope, will be recognized as the most important characteristic of this book. The books they collected and handed over to me have made an invaluable contribution to the preparation of the study materials and books of the Bible Study Centre, Mannuty. I pray that the Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient God of Truth may enlighten the hearts of all who love truth and prove the ideas discussed here a blessing to them. I praise the Lord for enabling me to prepare this book, thus serve the cause of truth and glorify the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Trichur T. John Mathew.
5th January 2006
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