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Theodicy Soteriology, Hermeneutics

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TRINITY : M. M. NINAN<br />

any properties. In fact properties arise only in relationship. If the Brahman has to become active he<br />

has to be community of real persons. Thus saguna Brahman consists of a Trimurthi - three persons.<br />

According to vedas this creation began with the Omkaram. The word which consists of three syllables<br />

Au - U - M ending in resonating silence. When St.Thomas came to Kerala which was one of the<br />

centers of Vedic learning of that period, he was quick to understand this fact and accepted the Om as<br />

a symbol for God. This symbol can be found in the ancient churches even today. The Mavelikara "old"<br />

church has Om written at its entrance even today. But then the similarity ends because the Trimurthy<br />

of Brahma-vishnu-Maheswara are a far cry from the concept of God. They are distinct Gods. In spite<br />

of the perversions in myths and common religions, the Shiva Sindhanta carried this concept to a<br />

greater extent.The question of sovereignity requires one God as the supreme being. In the purana the<br />

inquireetherefore asks God," "O you three Lords!, know that I recognize only one God. Inform me,<br />

therefore, which of you is the true divinity that I may address to him alone my vows and adorations."<br />

The Hindu Trinity consists of Brahma, the Creator, Vishnu, the incarnate sustainer.and Siva the<br />

destroyer. The three Gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva, replied, "Learn, O devotee, that there is no real<br />

distinction between us. What to you appears such is only by semblance. The single being appears<br />

under three forms by the acts of creation, preservation and destruction, but he is one."<br />

The thrimurthy of Hinduism consists of three fallen beings. They are selfish, they fight each other and<br />

hindu cosmos is the result of this evergrowing conflict between the three persons. Hindu Trimurthy is<br />

a dialectical God. God with contradictions within. It is a coherent philosophy as long as the whole<br />

universe is Brahman (Advaitic) himself and not its creation. The problem of fall and redemption does<br />

not arise as long as God himself is the creator of the fall and the enjoyer of the result. It is only a<br />

game of God.<br />

7. Christian Trinity<br />

Christianity offers a different picture. The trinity is forming one organic unity - one in essence. There is<br />

no conflict between the three persons within the Godhead. Therefore if ever God is to be described it<br />

can only be as "God is Love".<br />

Love is the character of God because there is a trinity in godhead. Cosmos for Christians is the<br />

interplay of this love of God in action. They work together. But each has a personality of its own and<br />

sphere of its own. There are areas where each person in the godhead acts independently.<br />

Mat 24: 36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but<br />

only the Father.<br />

Act 1: 7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own<br />

authority.<br />

In this concept God has the uncertainty to be personalities with each complementing the other to<br />

produce a complex organic unity. This organic unity becomes God with the character of love that<br />

binds them together so that each serves the other eternally. The competition within them is simply<br />

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