Argument from Comprehensive Distinction

 (I must apologize.  I listed it and then asked ChatGPT what their thoughts were on it but I never formally listed it)

The Argument from Comprehensive Distinction

Introduction and Historical Context

The doctrine of the Trinity was formalized at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, convened by Emperor Constantine. This council declared that Jesus was of the same substance (homoousios) as God the Father, effectively positioning Jesus as equal to God. However, this decision was driven by political motivations, including Constantine’s desire to unify the Roman Empire through a consolidated church.

• Historical Motivation: Constantine’s political interests in stabilizing his empire played a role in shaping theological decisions. The bishops at the council were incentivized to resolve theological disputes and increase their own authority within the church.

Premise 1: Jesus’ Subordinate Status in Scripture

The New Testament portrays Jesus as subordinate to God in several instances, contradicting the claim of equality.

1. Jesus Praying to God:

• Matthew 26:39: “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’”

• Mark 14:36: “‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’”

• Analysis: Jesus’ act of prayer signifies dependence on the Father. If Jesus were equal to God, there would be no need for him to submit his will or ask for intervention.

2. Jesus Acknowledging God’s Greater Status:

• John 10:29-30: “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

• Analysis: While the phrase “I and the Father are one” is often cited as proof of equality, the context of Jesus stating that the Father is “greater than all” suggests a unity of purpose, not essence. A parallel can be drawn from Mark 10:7-9, where a husband and wife are said to be “one flesh” without implying they are the same being.

Premise 2: Jesus Explicitly Denies Being Equal to God

1. Jesus Rejecting the Title of ‘Good’:

• Mark 10:17-18: “As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good—except God alone.’”

• Analysis: Jesus directly challenges the notion of being called “good,” reserving this designation for God alone. This is a clear denial of equivalence between himself and God.

Premise 3: The Trinity Lacks Old Testament Support

The concept of God as a singular, indivisible being is emphasized repeatedly in the Old Testament, directly contradicting the notion of a triune God.

1. Shema Declaration:

• Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”

• Analysis: This verse is a cornerstone of Jewish monotheism, affirming God’s indivisibility.

2. God’s Distinction from Humanity:

• Numbers 23:19: “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.”

• 1 Samuel 15:29: “He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.”

• Analysis: These verses emphasize that God is categorically distinct from humans. If Jesus were God, this distinction would be blurred.

Premise 4: Logical Inconsistencies within the Trinity Doctrine

1. Internal Contradiction of Equality:

• If Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit are all equal but distinct, this creates a paradox. If they have differing wills, as seen in Matthew 26:39 (Jesus submitting to the Father’s will), then who takes precedence? A system of perfect equality cannot resolve differences in will without one member being subordinate, contradicting the premise of equality.

2. Impracticality of Triune Leadership:

• Historically, most civilizations operate under singular leadership structures (98% of countries have single leadership at the top). A triune leadership with distinct persons would create significant issues in governance and decision-making.

Premise 5: Early Christian Writings and Ambiguities

1. John 1:1 and 1:14:

• John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

• John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

• Analysis: These verses, unique to the Gospel of John, are often cited as evidence of Jesus’ divinity. However, these claims do not appear in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), leading to questions about their origins. The lack of corroborating accounts raises concerns about the reliability of this interpretation.

Conclusion: Monotheism and Consistency with Old Testament Teachings

The Old Testament consistently emphasizes the singularity of God. Verses like Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 45:21-22, and Exodus 20:2-3 highlight God’s oneness, with no indication of a triune nature. Furthermore, Jesus’ actions and statements throughout the New Testament—his prayers, his acknowledgment of God’s supremacy, and his rejection of being called “good”—reinforce the idea that he is not equal to God.

Thus, the concept of the Trinity is a later theological development, influenced by political and ecclesiastical motivations rather than rooted in the teachings of Jesus or the Hebrew Bible. Therefore, God is not a Trinity, but a singular, indivisible being as portrayed throughout both the Old and New Testaments.