[boatbums]

I found a few additional references concerning the doctrine of the Trinity that I thought were helpful. From http://carm.org/christianity/christian-doctrine/another-look-trinity, it looks at the idea as expressed by Romans 1:20, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.":

Notice that this verse says God's attributes, power, and nature, can be clearly seen in creation. What does that mean? Should we be able to learn about God's attributes, power, and nature by looking at what He has made? Apparently, according to the Bible, this is possible.

When a painter paints a picture, what is in him is reflected in the painting he produces. When a sculptor creates a work of art, it is from his heart and mind that the source of the sculpture is born. The work is shaped by his creative ability. The creators of art leave their marks, something that is their own, something that reflects what they are. Is this the same with God? Has God left His fingerprints on creation? Of course He has.

Creation

Basically, the universe consists of three elements: Time, Space, and Matter. Each of these is comprised of three 'components.'

Time Past Present Future

Space Height Width Depth

Matter Solid Liquid Gas

TIME SPACE MATTER

As the Trinitarian doctrine maintains, each of the persons of the Godhead is distinct, yet they are all each, by nature, God.

With time, for example, the past is distinct from the present, which is distinct from the future. Each is simultaneous, yet they are not three 'times,' but one. That is, they all share the same nature: time.

With space, height is distinct from width, which is distinct from depth, which is distinct from height. Yet, they are not three 'spaces,' but one. That is, they all share the same nature: space.

With matter, solid is not the same as liquid, which is not the same as gas, which is not the same as solid. Yet, they are not three 'matters,' but one. That is, they all share the same nature: matter.

Note that there are three sets of threes. In other words, there is a trinity of trinities. If we were to look at the universe and notice these qualities within it, is it fair to say that these are the fingerprints of God upon His creation? I think so. Not only is this simply an observation, but it is also a good source for an analogy of the Trinity.

[DouglasKC]

Notice that this verse says God's attributes, power, and nature, can be clearly seen in creation. What does that mean? Should we be able to learn about God's attributes, power, and nature by looking at what He has made? Apparently, according to the Bible, this is possible. When a painter paints a picture, what is in him is reflected in the painting he produces.

Great points...who was created in the image of God?

Man. We are made in the image of God. This applies also to the Godhead.

2 sexes, male and female.

We have 2 arms. 2 legs. 2 nostrils. 2 eyes. 2 brain halves. 2 lungs. 2 kidneys. 2 hands. 2 feet. 2 ankles. 2 femurs. 2 tibulas. 2 ears. Men have 2 testicles, women 2 ovaries. 2 breasts. You get the idea.

We are bi-symmetrical. The two parts of our body combine to make one just as the father and son make one in the Godhead.

When we marry two people become one.

Yes, we do reflect our maker and we do reflect the Godhead....our bodies scream it!

[count-your-change]

I think that as we gain a better understanding of the physical world we appreciate God's wisdom., etc. But also His generosity in that plants produce more than they need for their species to survive.
An apple tree, if tended will produce tons of fruit over its life, grape vines likewise and that on poor soil.

But though we can learn much from nature still there is knowledge that only God can supply to us to keep us from drawing the wrong conclusions from our studies.