Oh Boy! Free Republic -- JUST the place for a calm dispassionate examination of Trinitarian Theology.
The usual "explanation" is
- The Father is God
- The Son is God
- The Holy Spirit is God.
- The Father is NOT the Son and NOT the Holy Spirit
- The Son is NOT the Father and NOT the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit is NOT the Father and NOT the Son
- And yet there are not three gods but One God in three "persons". The "Substance" is not divided, nor are the "persons" confused.
The fun greek words to think about in this connection are hentos (?), ousia, hypostasis, and prosopon. Just to clarify: I believe in the Holy Trinity as it is set forth in the creed (or "symbol") commonly called "The Nicene Creed" and would just as soon not discuss the "filioque" this morning.
horate hoti ex ergon dikaioutai anthropos kai ouk ek pisteos monon.
-- James 2:24
Just saying ...