The Trinity: The Mystery of the Godhead

by Chuck Missler

Is there One God or Three? How does one reconcile the "One God" of the Sh'ma with the "Three Persons" of the Trinity? The doctrine of the trinity has been at the heart of much theological controversy. The routine objection is that the doctrine sacrifices monotheism to "tritheism." But this objection thrives on a misconception of divine personality in the image of disparate, individual, human selves. This type of rationalistic apologetics, promotive of trinitarianism on speculative rather than revelational grounds, regrettably encourages this misunderstanding. One of the reasons we suffer such misunderstanding is due to our relying on "models." Chuck explores the ostensible tensions between the Old and New Testament revelations of the ultimate mystery of the Godhead. This is a foundational study for every Christian.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

82 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2014

About the author

Charles "Chuck" Missler was an author, evangelical Christian, and Bible teacher, and former businessman and Air Force officer. He is the founder of the Koinonia House ministry based in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Chuck Missler, an honors graduate of the United States Naval Academy, earned his Master of Science in Engineering from UCLA.[1] In 1999, Missler received a Ph.D. in biblical studies from the unaccredited Louisiana Baptist University in Shreveport,[2] an institution founded by the late minister Jimmy G. Tharpe.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Chuck. Thorough.
My favorite part is that the majority of verses used (and all being primarily discussed) are printed in the book. This book is I'd guess half straight from the Bible. *chef's kiss*

Goes through:
- The Hebrew words for God
- The untranslated Aleph/Tav instances
- Old and New Testament examples of God as an "Us"
- The Father/Son/Spirit acting in creation, the incarnation, salvation
- Bonus topics too numerous to list but include predestination/free will and the purpose of the Church & Israel so clearly it hit all my favorites

Interesting note: while the Pawson book was very adamant about the persons of the Trinity having a hierarchy but didn't make a good case for it imho, Missler does not attempt this. In fact, he (intentionally or not) in my mind made a very strong case for them being equal, which honestly is the only thing that makes sense to me. Not that Jesus didn't submit himself to the will of the Father to come to Earth, but I didn't see a case being made for say, the Father always being the final authority. I find this interesting since the Trinity is often used as an argument for certain parties always being in submission where I find scripture most often demonstrates that we should be "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." (Ephesians 5:21) Side topic but important to chew on and understand if we plan to model other church or relational functions on the example of the Trinity.

[SKP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking for a good book explaining the Trinity for some time now. I am not a minister or theologian, nor have I ever been to seminary. I am just your average everyday 60+ person who wanted a book about the Trinity that was interesting, easy to understand, and Biblically-based. This is that book. Missler does not talk over your head; he’s very down to earth in his writing. The Trinity is not an easy concept to understand, and most books I’ve picked up on the subject made it even more difficult and confusing. I highlighted a quote at the end: “Even if we do not fully understand it, we need to be comfortable with God’s identity, and that comfort comes through faith and through revelation, not through theological arguments.” Also, I highlighted at the very end “This study should also help us understand that any imagined conflict with the Three-in-One concept emerges from our personal finite models, not from the Scriptures. We are dealing here with the intrinsic architecture of the Godhead. That plurality can coexist with unity is a critically important truth. This truth leads us to find One God, but in Three distinct Persons.”

What I liked best was that the author backed up his points with lots of scripture, both Old and New Testament, showing that God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit were all through the scriptures; Jesus didn’t just show up in Matthew, and the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts. I feel like a lightbulb must have been lighting up next to my head like in cartoons, because I felt like I finally “got” it! As he indicated, I may not fully understand it, but I am much more comfortable with the concept now, and with God’s identity, than I ever have been before.

I plan to read more of his books in the future. This is the second one I’ve read and I really like his writing. My favorite modern Christian writers are Charles Swindoll and Max Lucado, but they’ll have to move over for Chuck Missler. I’m sorry to learn that he passed away though. So thankful that he left a body of excellent writing behind.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has studied the bible for years, this was a good refresher on the topic which is after all a mystery. Missler does a good job explaining through the use of scripture that the Trinity is described and spoken of all through the Bible. My favorite part is the chapter on how each Person of the Trinity is described as being responsible for various events separately in different scriptures. Missler also does a good job explaining how pre-destination is not an issue to struggle with when you consider that time is also a physical dimension. God, of course, exists in eternity outside of the multi-dimensional universe He created. He sees the end from the beginning, thus knowing the choices we will make, and therefore, He, being greater than even the multi-dimensional creation He has made (including time) can step in and predistine those who choose Him.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complicated Subject

Chuck Missler did an excellent job in addressing the different aspects of the godhead as well as many other truths. He deepened my understanding of the word and how God works in our lives by communicating on a level for the common man. I think what this book did for me was to give me peace with the subject matter.

[Scott Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Missler

Like his bible studies, Missler gives us just enough to entice us to dig further. He points to truths and depth and then invites us to find the rest of the story for ourselves in the Word. This is an inspiring and inviting book, but, prepare yourself to need to dive deeper into scripture after reading it.

[Carl White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good Read

Very informative and insightful. I learned a great deal as well as I was reminded of a lot that I already knew. My sister led me to this author because a friend of hers recommended him. Thank you to Tami for pointing me to a new author to add to my library. I will be getting this in paperback soon and reading more of his work.

[Brenton Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Very intelligent and informative. This book really helped me define my beliefs on the Trinity, and backs up what it says with Scripture.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

[A.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

BIBLE study

[CDWB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trinity

I've been trying to more easily understand The Trinity. To that end, I bought this book to begin the process. I found it to be very useful and explained fully.

[peter sterczela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery of the Trinity

Excellent explanation of the Trinity. The personal stories helped me better understand the truth of Scriptures. I highly recommend this book.

[Don Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, concise read

Very revealing in showing the Trinity throughout the Scriptures. In typical, thorough, and deep dive study that Chuck Missler is known for.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missler does an excellent job presenting the many varied understandings of the godhead, and explaining why Trinitarianism is the best of them.