(please read these Reformation articles in numbered order)

Here is an analogy of vocabulary between math and theology.

Adding and subtracting are based on counting real objects, which everyone can understand from a very early age.

Somewhere, someone introduced two intangible terms to “explain” adding and subtracting larger numbers.

And ever since, teachers (myself included) have perpetually created unique gymnastics to explain “borrowing” and “carrying” and somehow bring adding and subtracting back to the real world (where it all started in the first place).

(Available soon:  This problem is solved by SIBA—“SImple BAsics revolutionize education.)

Now, the comparable term in theology.

God is real, and the Bible tells us everything we need to know about Him, and how to have a wonderful, personal relationship with His Son, Jesus.

And then we can spend a lifetime reading and studying the Bible to get ever closer to the King of the universe.

But early on, someone, somewhere, decided to invent an intangible word to explain God, and it has been a disaster ever since.

“the trinity”

And, just like “borrowing” and “carrying” in math, theologians and Bible teachers have been standing on their heads, trying to explain “the trinity.”

That word is a mistake, with extensive damage and no benefit at all to bring people to Jesus and closer to Jesus.

Why was “the trinity” invented?

Basically to put God in a box—a three-sided box—and to put people in a box, to control them.

Theologians created “the trinity” (not in the Bible)—in a sense they created God, with exclusive claims to explain Him, and to show common people that only theologians understand God, because they know more.

Any organization that develops an exclusive terminology creates an exclusive club.

And for some weird reason, that develops an irresistible attraction for people who want to belong.

It’s sort of like the strange rituals of initiation into gangs.

The ritual, the language, makes no sense, but it’s cool to belong.

And so, the church goes on, repeating history, repeating control of people in the place of God.

Of course no one thinks they are doing that at the time (3rd century to 15th century to 21st century).

There is much more to be said for theology and evangelism without ever using “the trinity.”

Just one specific example:

Witnessing to Muslims would be simplified if the obstacle of “the trinity” never existed.

(please read these Reformation articles in numbered order)

Man creates doctrines to divide, and labels to solidify debate.

Then church leaders and church followers feel obligated and compelled to take either/or positions on numerous issues.

Certain Bible verses have to be used and emphasized on one side of an issue, while others have to be avoided and minimized.

This is totally unnecessary and very harmful.

Churches would do far better to avoid “division by position”, on things not vital to salvation and discipleship.

Instead, just encourage open study of all Bible verses on any topic, with the people, without conclusions in advance.

The biggest pitfall is telling people what to believe, and then telling them to look up selected Bible verses to back it up.

That works fine for each church group as long as leaders maintain control of the church membership—like those belonging to a club—which becomes most important.

It is a life-giving breath of fresh air when God’s people get excited about studying their Bible and applying it to their personal lives.

We need to rediscover the challenge of obeying the parts of the Bible we clearly understand, and waiting for understanding on other parts.

The Bible has helpful words of comfort, as well as words of warning, on both sides of most issues.

Apply the truth, “All Scripture is given for  .  .  .”