Monotheism and the Trinity

This Element addresses the logical problem of the doctrine of the Trinity and offers a novel solution I label 'minimalism.'

The doctrine of the Trinity is a central dogma within traditional Christianity, yet claiming that there are three divine persons appears to threaten adherence to monotheism. This Element proposes a solution whereby the doctrinal claims have minimal content such that a contradiction cannot be derived from them.The doctrine of the Trinity is a central dogma within traditional Christianity, yet claiming that there are three divine persons appears to threaten adherence to monotheism. This Element begins by presenting a logical problem for the doctrine of the Trinity, followed by a survey of extant solutions to it as well as some criticisms to these solutions. Based on some insights concerning the historical context surrounding the development and formulation of the doctrine of the Trinity, this Element proposes a solution whereby the doctrinal claims have minimal content such that a contradiction cannot be derived from them. Rather than dismissing other solutions, this Element adopts a particular framework for understanding theological models, proposing that the models used in these solutions be repurposed in such a way that multiple models help us better grasp and appreciate the target (viz., God or the doctrine of the Trinity).