To an unusual degree, the theology of the Trinity is characterized by a strained combination of narrative biblical language and speculative philosophical language. The word trinitas was first used by Tertullian (Prax. 2.1–4), as a translation of Greek τριάς/triás (orig. “threeness”). To denote the divine unity (God: V, 1), the 4th-century debates showed that the term οὐσία/ousí (“Essence”; see also Divine essence) borrowed from …
Cite this page
Oberdorfer, Bernd,
Theobald, Michael,
Müller, Gerhard Ludwig,
Plank, Peter,
Küster, Volker,
Imorde, Joseph and
Felmy, Karl Christian,
“Trinity/Doctrine of the Trinity”, in:
Religion Past and Present.
Consulted online on 28 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1877-5888_rpp_COM_025179>
First published online: 2011
First print edition: ISBN: 9789004146662, 2006-2013