“Trinitarian Analogies” by John M. Frame

Much theological energy has been spent on the interesting question of whether there are suitable analogies in our experience for describing the Trinity. The question is probably not as important as it is interesting. God never tells us that we must come up with any such analogy. Rather, he simply presents the truth in Scripture and calls us to accept it on faith.

 

Nevertheless, teachers of the word of God have the general task of teaching the word to others in the clearest and most cogent way possible. Certainly Scripture warrants the general practice of using illustrations and analogies in teaching. Thus, although we are not commanded specifically to find analogies of the Trinity in human experience, the search is certainly justified.

 

The problem is that the doctrine of the Trinity has historically defied attempts to expound it according to analogies. Some such attempts have resulted in destructive heresies. The Trinity is very mysterious, and study of it requires particular caution. The suggestions I make below are not intended to carry dogmatic weight. I am only suggesting possibilities, some suggested by others, some from my own reflection. …