"But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."
This verse is part of Jesus' teaching about the end times. It emphasizes that the exact timing of His return and the culmination of the age is unknown to all—except God the Father.
— Matthew 24:36
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Wrestling with the Trinity: An Honest Dilemma
I’ve long wrestled with a question that may resonate with others who walk a non-denominational Christian path. It’s a theological dilemma that touches the core of both belief and belonging: the doctrine of the Trinity.
I believe in God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as the Son of God, the one who walked among us, who died and rose again. I believe in the Holy Spirit as the power of God at work in the world. But I do not see clear biblical evidence that these three are coequal, coeternal persons in a triune Godhead. To my reading, God the Father is always presented in a superior role. Even Jesus said, “The Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). That statement, among others, gives me pause.
And yet, many churches—most, in fact—require belief in the Trinity as a foundational doctrine. It’s often written into their statements of faith, sometimes even as a test of true Christianity. This leaves me with a difficult question: can I, in good conscience, become part of a church that holds as central a doctrine I cannot, at present, affirm?
This is not about rebellion, nor about trying to create division. It’s about integrity. I want to be part of a community. I want to gather with others in worship, in learning, in service. But I don’t want to pretend to believe something just to belong. And I’m not ready to close the door on questions I still hold.
Some will say, “But what about... ? I also see how early church history shaped the doctrine of the Trinity over time, how language and metaphysics entered into what was once a simple faith in God through Christ.
Perhaps you’ve felt this same tension: a desire to follow Christ wholeheartedly, but a sense that certain man-made frameworks have been elevated to divine status. Perhaps you’ve stayed silent in church, or stepped away altogether, because your conscience wouldn’t allow you to say “I believe” to something you’re not sure about.
If that’s you, I’d love to hear from you.
I’ve written this not to debate, but to invite. To open a space for honest conversation. If you're walking this road too—longing for fellowship, but holding questions about traditional doctrine—I invite you to join the discussion on my blog. Your thoughts, your doubts, your faith—all are welcome.
Let’s walk this path together with sincerity, humility, and a shared hunger for truth.