The original three deities thus worshipped, now more commonly referred to as the Archaic Triad, were Jupiter, Mars and Quirinus. Jupiter was the supreme ruler of the heavens and god of thunder, Mars the god of agriculture and guardian of crops, and later a war deity, and Quirinus the enigmatic god of the Roman populus ("people").
Within Christianity, the doctrine of the Trinity states that God is a single Being who exists, simultaneously and eternally, as a perichoresis of three persons (personae, prosopa): Father (the Source, the Eternal Majesty); the Son (the eternal Logos or Word, incarnate as Jesus of Nazareth); and the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete or advocate). Since the 4th Century, in both Eastern and Western Christianity, this doctrine has been stated as "One God in Three Persons," all three of whom, as distinct and co-eternal "persons" or "hypostases," share a single Divine essence, being, or nature.
As evidence of this process, a comparison is often drawn between the Trinity and notions of a divine triad, found in pagan religions and Hinduism. Hinduism has a triad, i.e., Trimurti.
As far back as Babylonia, the worship of pagan gods grouped in threes, or triads, was common. That influence was also prevalent in Egypt, Greece, and Rome in the centuries before, during, and after Christ. After the death of the apostles, many nontrinitarians contend that these pagan beliefs began to invade Christianity. (First and second century Christian writings reflect a certain belief that Jesus was one with God the Father, but anti-Trinitarians contend it was at this point that the nature of the oneness evolved from pervasive coexistence to identity.)
Some find a direct link between the doctrine of the Trinity, and the Egyptian theologians of Alexandria, for example. They suggest that Alexandrian theology, with its strong emphasis on the deity of Christ, was an intermediary between the Egyptian religious heritage and Christianity.
2006-10-17 04:06:57 · 14 answers · asked by AuroraDawn 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Different trinities that in a sense are all the same:
The marriage of good and truth and the resultant action on the universe.
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Charity, faith and good works.
End, cause and effect.
In general, always the marriage of two things and the effect or action on the universe.
2006-10-17 04:13:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because all modern religions are derivative. Maybe there's something else about threes that originally attracted people, but it caught on.
Other derivative notions: Important persons set adrift in baskets only to be rescued and complete their "fate" (three religions before Judaism).
Virgin births (almost universal)
Demi-gods (half man-half god) obviously wildly popular before Christianity
Prayer beads (Buddhism, Hinduism - both much older than Catholicism).
the list goes on. Judeo-Christianity is just a mishmash of older beliefs. There's hardly anything new in it.
2006-10-17 04:15:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question. In Paganism they Goddess is seen as a trinity as well, being Maiden, Mother and Crone. I would be curious as to what other trinitarian forms of deity are on record and why 3 really is the magic number....so to speak.
2006-10-17 04:14:56 · answer #3 · answered by Medusa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Trinity is a concept borrowed from Hinduism by the rest of religions.
Existence of God as past ,present and future and as creator,protector and destroyer.
The concept of trinity existed in hinduism from 8000-10000 years ( you have many proofs to this pick any hindu scripture randomly and you have it in it and the oldest dates back to 8000-10000 years
2006-10-17 04:58:43 · answer #4 · answered by aathrey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps so much (everything) is attributed to a supreme being, and that's just too much for one being to represent. Things of a similar nature are lumped together under one manifestation. Since three is a number it is possible for most people, however simple, to grasp, it is convenient to break these aspects into three parts and personify them.
2006-10-17 04:14:47 · answer #5 · answered by lottyjoy 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think the number three is hardwired into the human psyche. Just ask anyone think of a number between one and ten, and most plump for the three.
Probably the people who invented these religions in the first place picked the first number they thought of?
2006-10-17 04:14:24 · answer #6 · answered by fumanch00 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's human nature. In food presentation there's the 3's & 5's rule.
Three pieces of scallop look to the eye better than four.
2006-10-17 04:13:22 · answer #7 · answered by b4_999 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I will use Joel Osteen for an example he is a husband , father and preacher, but he is the same person. Can we say there are three Joel's no not hardly.
2006-10-17 04:28:12 · answer #8 · answered by Tinkerbelle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Neither. They are one God. Yet they do different functions. God the Father is the same as the Son (I and my Father are one) who are in turn the same as the Holy Spirit. Their roles are their only difference.
2016-03-28 12:58:35 · answer #9 · answered by Aline 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exodus 23:13 And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.
Judges 10:13 Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more.
2006-10-17 04:13:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋