I think very highly of the history of what we call "orthodoxy" within the Christian Church. Many of those doctrines and dogmas are important. They tell us a lot about the development of thought and belief within Christianity.
If theology was the only issue facing the Church historically and in our present day age, even then the idea of the Trinity presents problems. In the twenty first Century the Church like it did in the centuries of the Arian controversy, faces political challenges as well as social and theological.
The Trinity is the most fundamental belief of Christians. I believe in the Trinity and it's importance. I also believe that lthe Trinity like all things believed, they evolve just like human beings do so that they may have relevance from one time to the next.
Scriptural Basis
Matthew 28:16-20 (NRSV)
The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
The Gospel for this Trinity Sunday is the basis of Christian Baptism. As Christians are baptized they are sealed with the sign of the cross in the Name of the three persons of the Trinity.
As Episcopalians our Baptism in the Name of the Trinity is preceded by our Baptismal vows. One of those vows is in the description of Philip's Many Thoughts. Our Baptism into the Trinity by itself is not a life insurance policy. It makes us part of the Body of Christ we call the Church. As part of belonging to that Body, there are responsibilities within our relationships with each other. In our Baptismal vows we pledge seek the justice and dignity of every human person. Why? Because our relationship to one another is a transparent reflection of God's relationship with all humankind in all of our diversity.
This is why heterosexism that gives life to homophobia, along with racism, sexism and class discrimination of all kinds is so destructive to the heart of the Christian Church.
When Christians support the idea of racism by the endless attacks on President Obama, immigrants, Native Americans, Muslims and so forth, the relationship between God and humankind appears to be a smudged reflection.
God as the Creator of all things according to our reading today from Genesis gives life and meaning to all that God creates. Notice that in the creation narrative God does not say: "Let me create humankind in my image." Instead it reads: "Let us create humankind in our image." The plural is there for a reason. It is an indication that God created all of humankind through an intimate relationship with each person that makes up who God is. God is in relationship with the diversity within God's Self in a way that is equal and respectful of that diversity.
It has been often debated that while Jesus has been known as the Son of God, the term "Word of God" is another term for "Wisdom" of God. Wisdom in the Hebrew Scriptures is spoken of in the feminine. Many scholars over the years have interpreted that within the person of Jesus, the Son, Redeemer, Servant is both a masculine and feminine nature of God. While the Holy Spirit represents the feminine nature of God.
One of the historical abuses theologians and historians have placed upon the Trinity, is the thinking that God is totally masculine. Therefore, men and the masculine must represent a dominant nature. While women or the feminine is some how a subordinate nature. Those who have imposed this thinking upon civilizations dominated by Christian orthodoxy and now fundamentalism (through which many conservatives politicians and religious types have taken their cues), have created a world view that seeks to justify discrimination and violence in the name of this understanding. Thus creating an image of God and Christianity that is damaging to humankind.
How can Christians become a source of healing and transformation instead of being so destructive?
First, we can be open to understanding what the late Paul Wellstone said: "When we all do better, we all do better."
If the Church is going to be part of the healing of itself and society then we need to understand that we are all connected to each other through the relationship of God with all of us. When one group of people experience marginalization and their dignity is so violated, all humankind is hurt and unhealthy.
It is not a good thing for Christians to be supporting gun violence and racist comments. Christians do not serve the common good of humanity by opposing marriage equality in New York State as Archbishop Timothy Dolan did this week.
Second, Christians must become part of the solution, not the problem.
If we are going to be a good reflection of the diversity and equality of the relationship of God the Trinity, then we must be committed to the full inclusion and justice of all who are marginalized.
Christians do not make a very good name for the religion by supporting programs for the poor, sick and disabled, while Catholic Charities in Illinois and Washington, DC shut down their adoption services because of civil unions and marriage equality.
We also do not give a good reflection of our faith when Christians support Arizona's immigration law, or Alabama's or any other states laws that are based on fear and prejudice.
Christians do not help people feel drawn to a relationship with the Trinity by demanding the defunding of Planned Parenthood and reproductive health services for women, while at the same time taking away health care, education, jobs, job training programs and so forth.
Christians do not give a good vision of God by taking away the rights of workers to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits and retirement pensions, while giving first place consideration to corporate interests.
Christians do not reflect the Trinity in scapegoating Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and so forth.
Our Baptismal vows as Christians call us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to work for justice and peace and respect the dignity of every human person. (See Book of Common Prayer, pages 293-294). If we are going to be good examples of the Trinity, then we would do well to take those seriously and to apply them in our relationships with all who remain on the sidelines of society and the Church.
Prayers
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for Trinity Sunday, Book of Common Prayer, page 228).
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, page 815).
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Prayer for Social Justice, Book of Common Prayer, page 823).
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