The importance of the doctrine of the Trinity

• the diversity together with unity within creation reflects the diversity within the unity of the godhead
• it can be seen as a reflection of the trinitarian paradox of unity within diversity
• it connects with christian beliefs about sin and atonement
• those christians who believe in the doctrine of original sin claim that god sent his son to atone for that sin through his crucifixion and resurrection and so reconcile humans to god; the Holy Spirit works within believers' hearts and lives, giving hope of eternal life
• the doctrine of the trinity explains the otherwise paradoxical claim that god is both transcendent and immanent
• moltmann described the relationships of the Persons of the trinity in terms of mutual self-giving and receiving love. this is to be reflected in human relationships
• atonement

  refers to the christian belief that through the death of christ, the barrier of sin was broken and humans were reconciled to god
• transcendent

  refers to the belief that god is without limits and is beyond the world of space and time
• immanent

  refers to the belief that god pervades and sustains the universe and that humans are able to have a personal relationship with god