Although it is a simplification, it is not too unfair to say that, effectively, the ‘Trinity’ is a God invented by Tertullian to counter the teachings of groups such as the Modalists (the second century equivalent of the Oneness Pentecostalism of today). Did Tertullian invent a concept of ‘ousia’ and call it God? On the whole, while Tertullian did not really invent ‘ousia’, he did introduce it into Christianity and call it God.
ChatGPT 4o says “The Trinity was not a creation of Tertullian alone but rather a doctrinal development that sought to synthesize and clarify early Christian beliefs about God as revealed in Scripture. Tertullian’s work was a significant milestone in this development, especially in countering heresies like Modalism. However, the concept itself emerged from a broader process of theological reflection and debate within the early church, seeking to faithfully interpret and articulate the biblical portrayal of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
The following is mainly based on output from the leading Artificial Intelligence application ChatGPT 4o.
Tertullian effectively demonstrated the weaknesses of modalism and established a robust theological and scriptural basis for Trinitarianism. His works, particularly "Adversus Praxean" (Against Praxeas), remain foundational in the development of Christian doctrine on the nature of God.
Tertullian, although highly influential in the development of early Christian theology, was charged with heresy later in his life primarily due to his association with Montanism. Montanism was a prophetic movement founded by Montanus in the second century, which emphasized new revelations from the Holy Spirit and a rigorous moral standard.
Tertullian's use of the term "ousia" is foundational in the development of Trinitarian theology, even though the term itself is Greek and Tertullian primarily wrote in Latin. He used the Latin equivalent "substantia" to express similar concepts. In Trinitarian theology, "ousia" (Greek) or "substantia" (Latin) refers to the essence or substance of God, denoting what God is in His very being.
Tertullian did not invent the concept of "ousia" (essence or substance), but he significantly contributed to its theological application in the context of Trinitarian doctrine. The term "ousia" itself is of Greek origin and predates Tertullian, being used in classical Greek philosophy by figures such as Plato and Aristotle to denote the essential nature or being of something. While Tertullian did not invent the term "ousia," his theological application of the concept was instrumental in the development of Trinitarian doctrine. He played a key role in articulating how the one divine essence is shared among the three distinct persons of the Trinity, a foundational idea for orthodox Christian theology.
Tertullian effectively used the concept of "ousia" (or its Latin equivalent "substantia") to refer to the divine essence, which he identified as God. By doing so, he emphasized that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share the same divine substance, thereby affirming their unity as one God while also maintaining their distinct personhood.
So, Tertullian did effectively call ousia (substance) God by equating the divine essence with God’s being. This theological move was foundational for Trinitarian doctrine.
The scriptural passages cited by Tertullian to support the Trinitarian concept of ousia can be interpreted differently under a Unitarian view, which maintains that only the Father is the Most High God. Here is a critical assessment of these passages from a Unitarian perspective:
- The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17):
- Trinitarian View: Distinction of persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) implies a shared divine essence.
- Unitarian View: The passage shows a significant moment in Jesus' ministry, with the Father affirming Jesus as His Son and the Holy Spirit descending to empower Jesus. It does not necessitate a shared essence but rather highlights the Father's unique role as God and Jesus as His chosen Messiah.
- Assessment: The distinct actions can be seen as supportive of a hierarchy where the Father is supreme, Jesus is His Son, and the Holy Spirit is a divine presence or power.
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19):
- Trinitarian View: The singular "name" suggests unity of essence among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Unitarian View: The singular "name" can signify the unity of purpose and mission among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit without implying equality in essence. Baptizing in the name of all three signifies their roles in the believer's life but does not equate them in divinity.
- Assessment: This interpretation aligns with seeing the Father as the Most High God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit as subordinate agents.
- Jesus’ Statements about Unity with the Father (John 10:30; John 14:9-11):
- Trinitarian View: These statements imply a shared divine essence.
- Unitarian View: The unity described here can be understood as unity of purpose and will rather than essence. Jesus' oneness with the Father is about complete alignment in mission and actions, not ontological equality.
- Assessment: This view is consistent with seeing Jesus as a distinct, subordinate being who perfectly represents the Father.
- Jesus’ Prayers to the Father (John 17):
- Trinitarian View: Prayers indicate distinct persons within a shared divine essence.
- Unitarian View: The prayers highlight Jesus' distinct identity from the Father, emphasizing his role as a dependent, obedient Son who communicates with his God. This reinforces the Father's unique status as the Most High God.
- Assessment: The distinction supports a Unitarian view where Jesus is distinct and subordinate to the Father.
- Pauline Epistles (1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 13:14):
- Trinitarian View: Unity and distinction within the divine essence.
- Unitarian View: 1 Corinthians 8:6 distinguishes between "one God, the Father" and "one Lord, Jesus Christ," suggesting a hierarchical relationship. 2 Corinthians 13:14 can be seen as a recognition of the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit without equating them in essence.
- Assessment: These passages can be interpreted as supporting the Father as the supreme God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit as distinct entities with different roles.
- Creation and Incarnation Narratives (Genesis 1:26; John 1:1-3, 14):
- Trinitarian View: Plurality within God and the Word's divinity.
- Unitarian View: Genesis 1:26’s "us" can be seen as a majestic plural or God speaking to His heavenly court. John 1:1-3, 14 can be interpreted as the Word (Logos) being God's plan or expression, which became embodied in the person of Jesus, who is distinct and subordinate to the Father.
- Assessment: This interpretation aligns with the Father as the sole, supreme God and Jesus as His unique agent in creation and redemption.
Conclusion:
The Unitarian interpretation of these passages is coherent and consistent with the view that only the Father is the Most High God, with Jesus as His subordinate Son and the Holy Spirit as His presence or power. While the Trinitarian view sees these passages as indicating a shared divine essence among three co-equal persons, the Unitarian perspective emphasizes the distinct roles and hierarchy, maintaining monotheism with the Father as the sole supreme deity. Both interpretations use theological constructs to explain the biblical data, but they arrive at different conclusions about the nature of God and the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Source: ChatGPT 4o free-of-charge AI application)
