Trinity analogy - good or bad?

[ChristianTrader]

the space analogy doesn't work, either.

I dealt with that 9 years ago in an IM convo.

http://theologicallycorrect.com/studycenter/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=9

I personally like the time analogy the best, however I do not believe that you have properly dealt with the space analogy in its strongest form. Imagine any of the three axises of space (x, y, or z). Fill in any one axis of space. After you have done so, what does one have. All of space is filled in.

Therefore you could reasonable say that the analogy implies that each dimension represents all of space.

CT

 

[Scott]

1x1x1=1 because the numerical unity is being multiplied by itself not by another. Father, Son and Holy Ghost are I, Thou, and He -- there is numerical diversity so far as personal relation is concerned.

Concerning the species/genus illustration of apples -- this leaves you with three numerical essences categorised under one denomination. The divine unity is more than one of "agreement." It is a unity in "essence."

I strongly suggest we be content to leave Trinitarian discussion where the Christian tradition has wisely left it. The person who approaches this subject should realise he is drawing near sacred ground, and accordingly remove the sandals from off his feet. As John Owen exhorts, "Let him bring with him a due reverence of the majesty, and infinite, incomprehensible nature of God, as that which is not to be prostituted to the captious and sophistical scanning of men of corrupt minds, but to be humbly adored, according to the revelation that he hath made of himself." (Works, 2:368.)

We still need teaching about what the Christian tradition teaches. If we say that God is one in essence and three is person, we need to know what those words mean in order for them to not be empty. Analogies are good ways to help understand.

 

[Anton Bruckner]

I use the fire analogy. I can with one lighted candle, produce 2 other distinct flames that are of the same essence.

Of course it breaks down if one examines it too closely, but it does serve in general the 1 and 3. 1 fire, 3 flames.