Research sheds new light on the Trinity: one God through communion
How can the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be distinct and yet one God? This question lies at the heart of the dissertation by theologian Benjamin Suh, who offers a more accessible and in-depth understanding of a central doctrine of the Christian faith. His study shows that the unity of God is not primarily grounded in a shared essence, but in the living and inseparable communion between three hypostases. In doing so, the research provides not only theological clarity, but also points of reference for how believers today experience their faith and understand their place in society.
Suh bases his analysis on the trinitarian teaching of the three Cappadocian Church Fathers – Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa – and also examines their influence on the thought of two modern theologians: Heribert Mühlen from the Western Church and John Zizioulas from the Eastern tradition. His study shows that Basil the Great introduced an innovative approach by grounding the unity of God in the communion of three distinct hypostases, a view that departs from Athanasius’ emphasis on a single shared essence. Gregory of Nazianzus goes a step further by asserting that it is precisely their infinite mutual relationship that makes the three one God. Gregory of Nyssa, in turn, emphasizes that their inseparable unity and mutual indwelling are indispensable elements for understanding the oneness of God.
The work of Heribert Mühlen closely aligns with this Cappadocian perspective, as he defines the Trinity primarily in relational terms and abandons the concept of one divine nature. John Zizioulas can be seen as someone who critically rediscovered the thought of the Cappadocian Fathers and once again places the concept of “communion” at the center of his vision of the Trinity. Together, these insights demonstrate that trinitarian doctrine is not static, but continues to deepen and renew itself throughout the centuries.
The social significance of this research lies in the way it helps Christians better understand their faith and give it concrete form. By emphasizing the equality and relationship between Father, Son, and Spirit, believers are given a theologically grounded basis for their worship and daily spiritual practice. At the same time, the idea that unity arises from communion and connectedness offers an inspiring model for both church and society, in which diversity need not lead to division, but can instead contribute to a deeper cohesion.
Suh’s dissertation makes clear that the Son and the Holy Spirit are not created beings, but fully God and equal to the Father. In doing so, he affirms the biblical foundation for the worship of the Triune God and underscores that Christians receive salvation through the incarnate Son, while the Holy Spirit applies this work of salvation in their lives. Thus, the research provides believers not only with theological assurance, but also with renewed motivation to live out their faith with conviction and confidence.
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