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Thanks. Important points, I think.

I do feel, Kosta, that the things you see as contradictions in Scripture vis a vis The Trinity--I do not see as contradictions at all.

I see such things as parts of a complex . . . reality, a complex construct which our finiteness does not have all the info on and does not have a perfect perspective on.

I see all the Scriptures about the Godhead being true and without contradiction. I believe any seeming contradictions are merely that--finite appearances . . . A 2D flatlander trying to make sense out of a 3D or 4D or 12D (dimensioned) world. Or different facets of the diamond showing different colors.

And, it seems that many RC folks can support a LOT of Marian hogwash because they cannot see contradictions that are real contradictions that those outside that perspective do see. For them, there are no contradictions.

Anyway, my 2 cents worth.

Thanks for your kind post.

I respect your opinion. I don't think they are necessarily contradictions, but underdeveloped trinitarian understanding. I think it is obvious (to me at least) that even the apostles did not fully grasp who Christ was and what His mission entailed.

And, it seems that many RC folks can support a LOT of Marian hogwash because they cannot see contradictions that are real contradictions that those outside that perspective do see

It's not just the RCs. We Orthodox are equally involved in this. Our own liturgies which remain unchanged for all practical purposes show that what you call Marian 'hogwash' was very much part of the life of the Church when Christianity was very young.

I believe any seeming contradictions are merely that--finite appearances . . .

This can be true of all religions on earth, indeed of anything human! Since we are all finite, grasping or imitating the infinite is impossible, so we all believe with imperfect knowledge. Heretics claimed Apostles as much as the orthodox Chrstianity has. Montanists claimed +John; Jewish Christians in Jerusalem claimed +Peter and proclaimed +Paul a heretic; Marcion (who rejected the OT) claimed +Paul; Gnostics claimed +Paul as well.

My point is that the idea of the Holy Trinity does not have a strong basis in the Gospels and Pauline Epistles. Rather, the Gospels seem to be more docetic than orthodox in some respects.

Thanks.