Mormonism and the Trinity

[_Daniel Peterson]

I realize that the interest here will be, at most, minimal, but some might perhaps care -- if only to mine it for "evidence" of my supposed nastiness, vengefulness, dishonesty, resentment, and rage -- to know about an article that, despite the date given on the periodical, I've just published in the journal of the Society for Mormon Philosophy and Theology:

Daniel C. Peterson, "Mormonism and the Trinity," Element 3/1-2 (Spring/Fall 2007): 1-43.

The concluding paragraph of the article reads as follows:

Latter-day Saints and other Christians will continue to disagree on many things. But, if I'm correct, the doctrine of the Trinity need not loom quite so large among them.

.

[_karl61]

is there a link to the full article?

[_Uncle Dale]

...
I've just published in the journal of the Society for Mormon Philosophy and Theology:

Daniel C. Peterson, "Mormonism and the Trinity," Element 3/1-2 (Spring/Fall 2007): 1-43.

Interesting -- can you provide an abstract?

I'm especially interested to see if you detect any evolution in
Mormon doctrine, as pertaining to the personhood of the Holy Ghost
prior to 1835, (and, more importantly, after 1835).

UD

[_Daniel Peterson]

As yet, I doubt that there's a link -- which, by harmony's logic, pretty much demonstrates that the article doesn't actually exist.

It will, however, eventually end up on the website of the SMPT:

http://www.smpt.org/

At first, it will be accessible only to members of the SMPT, via a password. After roughly a year, though, it will be opened to the general public.

In the meantime, those interested in purchasing a copy of the journal can do so via SMPT, either by joining the Society or by shelling out $7.00 US. Other articles in this issue are Carl Mosser, "Exaltation and Gods Who Can Fall: Some Problems for Mormon Theodicies"; Loyd Ericson, "The Challenges of Defining Mormon Doctrine"; and Stephen T. Davis, "Philosophical Theology for Mormons: Some Suggestions From an Outsider."

Interesting -- can you provide an abstract?

I've written no abstract. But, in a nutshell, I argue that some mainstream Christian theologians, by moving away from traditional Nicene ontological Trinitarianism toward a social Trinitarian model, are adopting a position with which Latter-day Saints can feel more comfortable; that models of the Trinity carry soteriological implications that have sometimes done damage to mainstream Christian theology and that have been insufficiently appreciated by Mormons; that Mormons and mainstream Christians have usually talked past one another on this issue; etc.

I'm especially interested to see if you detect any evolution in
Mormon doctrine, as pertaining to the personhood of the Holy Ghost
prior to 1835, (and, more importantly, after 1835).

I don't treat that issue in the article.

[_Uncle Dale]

...
I've written no abstract. But, in a nutshell, I argue that some mainstream Christian theologians, by moving away from traditional Nicene ontological Trinitarianism toward a social Trinitarian model, are adopting a position with which Latter-day Saints can feel more comfortable; that models of the Trinity carry soteriological implications that have sometimes done damage to mainstream Christian theology and that have been insufficiently appreciated by Mormons; that Mormons and mainstream Christians have usually talked past one another on this issue; etc.
...

I think you are probably correct in your broad generalization.

Next step would be to demonstrate some convergence of mainstream Christian
views with Latter Day Saint perceptions.

Might I suggest a brief inspection of recent Christian "praise"music, as one possibility?

UD

[_harmony]

As yet, I doubt that there's a link -- which, by harmony's logic, pretty much demonstrates that the article doesn't actually exist.

That only works for things like golden plates and the Juliann-Murphy transcript, Daniel. Things of real origin not only exist, but exist where they can be read... ie, a library, or as a link.

[_Daniel Peterson]

I would welcome serious, relevant comments from anybody who reads the article. I intend to expand it for future publication elsewhere; there are several strands of investigation that I want to pursue a bit further.

[_Doctor Scratch]

I would welcome serious, relevant comments from anybody who reads the article. I intend to expand it for future publication elsewhere; there are several strands of investigation that I want to pursue a bit further.

Hey, that's terrific. Particularly in light of your recent comment that you wouldn't be participating on the board, and your other recent comment that you "don't do substance." I'm sure plenty here would be interested in discussing your paper with you, but you seem far more interested in floating in either to A) try to score points against a critic, or B) to make it seem as if all you are is this nice, friendly, congenial scholar.

by the way: Since you're here, perhaps you wouldn't mind telling us why you seemed to have split with SHIELDS following FARMS's integration into BYU?

[_Daniel Peterson]

Serious, relevant comments about the article can be posted here or, alternatively and better (since I'm less likely to miss them), sent directly to me at daniel_peterson@BYU.edu.

I won't, however, be responding to irrelevant nonsense. It doesn't interest me.

[_KimberlyAnn]

Latter-day Saints and other Christians will continue to disagree on many things. But, if I'm correct, the doctrine of the Trinity need not loom quite so large among them.

I doubt you're correct. There may be some unorthodox theologians arguing for the Social Trinity model, but the mainstream Christians I know, who consist of Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans and Catholics, tend to reject the social trinity, considering it essentially tritheism. Now, they're not theologians, but they are reasonably intelligent folks who tend to know their religions and who have strong opinions on maintaining the orthodoxy of the Church.

Though I attend a Methodist church not necessarily known for its conservatism, the Nicene creed is still essential doctrine and required learning for all children in Confirmation classes. The orthodox trinity is still the order of the day, and I don't see that changing anywhere in the near future. The divide between Christians and Mormons is still as wide as ever, and from what I gather here in the Bible Belt, the Christians would prefer to keep it that way.

KA