Three I know not what: the influence of Greek philosophy on the doctrine of Trinity
Abstract
This article examines the origins of the traditional or orthodox Trinitarian formula. The
main objective is to clarify to what extent the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity
(Nicene formula) has been influenced by Greek philosophy. Through contemporary
theological dialogue on this issue, the research focuses on the comparison between the
traditional formulation of the doctrine of Trinity, influenced by Greek philosophy and the
biblical revelation of the godhead. The conclusion is that the trinitarian formula might not
be a dogmatic teaching, but a mystery (a dehellenisation of the concept of Trinity) and that
the Church fathers and the post-Nicene church used the Greek philosophical-theological
expressions for Trinity, already present in Scriptures in its doxological and liturgical form,
primarily for the purpose of contextualisation.
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