A new logical problem for the doctrine of the Trinity

Self Cite

I present Ned Markosian's episodic account of identity under a sortal, and then use it to sketch a new model of the Trinity. I show that the model can be used to solve at least three important Trinitarian puzzles: the traditional ‘logical problem of the Trinity’, a less-discussed problem that has been dubbed the ‘problem of triunity’, and a problem about the divine processions that has been enjoying increased attention in the recent literature.

Section: Second Puzzle: the Problem Of Triunitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Solving the Puzzlesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Solving the Puzzlesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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An episodic account of divine personhood

Mooney

2020

Self Cite

“…Justin Mooney (2018) advances a new problem for the doctrine of the Trinity, which he calls The Problem of Triunity : God is triune. The Son is not Triune 1 The Son is God. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, Mooney says, ‘Clearly something has gone wrong, for (1)–(3) form an inconsistent triad; any two of them entail the negation of the third, and so at least one of them must go. Which will it be?’ (Mooney (2018), 2) 3…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The persons of the Trinity are themselves triune: a reply to Mooney

Willenborg

2021

Justin Mooney (2018) advances what he calls The Problem of Triunity: each divine person is God, God is triune, and yet, each of the divine persons is apparently not triune. In response, I suggest that we ought to accept that each of the divine persons is in fact triune. First, I offer a plausible analysis of the claim that God is triune; second, I show that, given that analysis, there is nothing untoward about embracing the conclusion that each divine person is triune. I suggest that, once we take care to clarify what affirming the triunity of each divine person does and does not commit us to, we will see that we are not thereby committed to anything that contravenes orthodoxy – contrary, perhaps, to initial expectations. Third, I argue that this view sits particularly well with the claim that triunity is essential to divinity, whereas other views falter on this score. After considering and responding to an alternative analysis of triunity, I consider an objection to my analysis based on the salutary nature of communities. Finally, I conclude by noting an important lesson we can glean from the problem of triunity vis-à-vis trinitarian theorizing.

No new problem for the Trinity: A reply to Mooney

Czepielik

2024

The Father is God, the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God, but there is only one God – this is the traditional problem of the Trinity. Recently, a new problem for the doctrine of the Trinity has been developed. God is triune, the Son is God, but the Son is not triune – that’s the new Triunity Problem. In this article, I show that adopting any solution to a traditional problem makes it possible to solve the new problem without incurring additional costs. I distinguish possible types of solutions to the traditional problem and point out the costs involved. I then show how each of these solutions can be used and developed to solve the new problem.