Trying to Be Funny In Misunderstanding the Trinity

This picture, on the surface, may get some chuckles out of even the strictest Christians, simply for the fact at how ridiculous it is. Now, I say that in a pretty cynical fashion, as it is clearly made by someone who: 1) misunderstands the Trinity, and 2) desires to mock Christianity.

This picture essentially demonstrates a misunderstanding of how the Persons of the Trinity interact, and how exactly the Trinity exists, especially while Jesus was here on earth. Of course, the false premise of this picture, or as it's referred to on the internet, "meme," is that there is actually no distinction between the Persons of the Trinity, and therefore, communication is contradictory and utterly nonsensical. Of course, the Trinity is a great mystery and boggles the human mind tremendously as to how exactly God, maintains His unity while existing as three distinct Persons. Though, the maker of this meme has clearly not thought through nor really cared to understand the Christian perspective or understanding of the Triune God. Of course, while Christ and the Father share in the same substance, they are distinct Persons and therefore, communication between the Persons is not contradictory nor nonsensical.

The redemption of this image may only come about through thoughtful engagement on the issue of the Trinity. A proper understanding and demonstration of the Trinity, as described in the Athanasian Creed, would have to be defended and thoroughly explained, in order that the misconception and false representation of the confounding of the Person may be dealt with. Jesus, while being God, is not the Father, and therefore, His praying to the Father is not contradictory nor nonsensical, it is representative of Their eternal, intimate, and communal relationship.

Isa: When the Records of Jesus' Followers Just Won't Cut It

If you were to take a look at the picture on the right, you will notice that the man looks awfully familiar. You will also notice that there is Arabic writing as well as a turban on his head. Oddly enough, if you thought that picture resembled many images made of Jesus, you're actually not far off. This painting is the Muslim depiction of Jesus, or as they would call Him, Isa. One interesting trait that I noticed abotu this picture is how light Jesus' skin looks, He's pretty much white, which causes some concern. Islam originated in the Middle East, very close to where Jesus was born and lived. It is shocking that a faith which was literally birthed and propagated from the same region as Jesus would depict Him in such a way. But, I must digress.

It is also noticeable to see how the Muslims have put their Islamic twist on how Jesus would have looked and dressed. He is wearing a a turban and is standing in front of what looks to be a mosque. Written in the top right corner, is the name of Allah in Arabic.

Now, it is interesting because Jesus is revered in Islam as a mighty prophet, who is spoken of multiple times and in very powerful ways throughout the Qur'an. Many miracles are attested to Jesus in the Qur'an, and most Muslims would interpret the Qur'an as saying that Jesus never died. He is a great prophet, and delivered the words of Allah to his people. One major difference between Islam and Christianity is that Jesus did not die, especially not on the cross.

When it comes to redeeming Jesus, and more specifically the "image" or idea of Jesus in the minds of Muslims, we certainly have a solid basis to work from. They have the concept of Jesus in their minds, however false and misrepresented He may be. We should seek to understand how Jesus is depicted in the Qur'an and in Muslim thought, and work from there.

One interesting concept, which gives Christians the upper hand in our presentation of Christ, is that we have a representative for our sins, who has given Himself for our sins and has guaranteed salvation for us. In the Muslim view, they do not have a mediator, and therefore they live in a perpetual state of uncertainty about whether they have done enough righteousness to tip the scales and be saved, and even then, they do not have full assurance. It is with this thinking that we should strive at understanding their perception of Jesus, and work from there to present the Christian view of Jesus.

While not spoken of, but certainly one of the greatest stumbling blocks to Muslims is the idea of the Trinity, and how Jesus can be God. This is certainly a tremendous barrier that we will have to overcome, but I just wanted to make it clear that I understand this, and will only be mentioning it in passing.

Baby Jesus: It's Time to Grow Up!

As we are currently in the season of Advent, looking forward to the celebration of the Saviour's birth, it is only fitting to examine the imagery of the season--a baby Jesus. It is on December 25 that the Western world has decided to set a day aside in rememberance of the Messiah, the Son of God, who took on flesh and humbled Himself to being born of a woman, in a manger, totally dependent on human parents. This imagery comes to us as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it is very positive, and on the other hand, it is very negative. Let me elaborate.

Baby Jesus: The Positive

You see, the imagery of baby Jesus brings to mind many positive ideas. The most prominent aspect of this is that it reminds us that the eternal Son of God, the Logos, took on human flesh and humbled Himself to being born as a baby. It reminds us that Jesus, as miraculous and divine as He is, was also at one time a baby; a creature totally dependent on His parents for sustenance and survival. This is good news indeed, for it reminds us that Christ indwelt human flesh and lived through the human experience. His becoming fully man and experiencing our humanity is vital to Him relating to us, thus qualifying Him as the perfect High Priest that we need (see my Major Paper!).

Baby Jesus: The Negative

Of course, there can be extremes adopted in the minds of people when it comes to viewing Jesus as a baby. First of all, it can instill in the minds of people this idea of a weak and frail Jesus. A Jesus who is merely human, and therefore only a "good man." Of course, it must be said that this reasoning is dependent on a lot more than simply the image of baby Jesus, but it certainly does not help to be reminded constantly (and almost singularly) that Jesus was a baby.

The images of Jesus, especially in Roman Catholicism (as is the one used for this blog) almost unanimously depict Jesus in two situations: 1) As a baby in His birth, or 2) as a suffering man in His death (crucifixion). It is for this reason that many Roman Catholics with whom I have interacted often have a very anemic view of Christ. They are so used to seeing Him in these two depictions, that He is either a helpless baby, or a helpless victim. Of course, a proper reading of Scripture will clarify this much more.

Redemption!

We must not retaliate to these negative perceptions by going to the other extreme and discounting the birth, humbling, and humanity of Christ. The birth of Christ is the moment (if we are going to include His conception) where the incarnation is realized. The fullness of redemption shone through when God the Son had finally taken on flesh. The glory of Almighty God, here, in flesh, "tabernacling" with fallen humanity. What a glorious thought... What a glorious moment! When Christ was born, He was also destined to die. That was it, no turning back! Redemption was going to run its full course and He was going to save His people!

It is for this reason that we must glory in the birth of our Saviour. Though, we must remind both ourselves and those around us that Christ is the eternal God, who existed in eternity past as Almighty God, and who exists now as the God-man in full glory and reign. He is no longer a baby, helpless and dependent on His earthly parents, but He has been given the highest place, seated at the right hand of God, where all authority and power has been given to Him! Let us redeem any view of a weak and frail Christ, and let us marvel at the wonder of God contained within the frame of a baby boy. What wonder, what magnificence!