In an 8-10 page (2500-3000 word) research paper, discuss relational discipleship from a Trinitarian perspective: how does the doctrine of the Trinity inform disciple-making?
DETAILS: Be sure to address the following issues in your paper:
What is the doctrine of the Trinity?
How did Trinitarian theology inform the disciple-making ministry of Jesus?
What role do Father, Son, and Holy Spirit play in discipleship?
How is discipleship distorted if it is not rooted in Trinitarian theology?
How does the doctrine of the Trinity inform the practice of discipleship in your particular ministry context?
The practical application of Trinitarian theology in discipleship
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Relational Discipleship from a Trinitarian Perspective
Introduction
Discipleship is a central aspect of Christian faith and practice. It involves nurturing and guiding individuals in their journey to become more like Christ. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the concept of relational discipleship, which emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships in the process of disciple-making. This essay will explore relational discipleship from a Trinitarian perspective, examining how the doctrine of the Trinity informs and shapes the practice of disciple-making.
The Doctrine of the Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to Christian theology. It affirms that there is one God who exists eternally in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God, yet there is only one God. This understanding of the Trinity is based on biblical revelation and has been developed and articulated by theologians throughout history.
Trinitarian Theology and Jesus’ Disciple-Making Ministry
Trinitarian theology played a significant role in Jesus’ disciple-making ministry. Jesus, as the Son of God, revealed the Father to his disciples and taught them to address God as their heavenly Father. He also promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower and guide them in their discipleship journey. The relationship between Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit served as a model for the disciples’ relationships with one another and with those they would disciple.
The Role of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Discipleship
Each person of the Trinity has a distinct role in the process of discipleship. The Father initiates and calls individuals into a relationship with himself through his Son, Jesus Christ. The Son, through his incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, provides the perfect example for disciples to follow. He also empowers them through his Spirit to live out his teachings and fulfill their mission. The Holy Spirit convicts, guides, and empowers believers to grow in their faith and bear fruit in their discipleship journey.
Distortion of Discipleship without Trinitarian Theology
When discipleship is not rooted in Trinitarian theology, it can become distorted in various ways. Without a proper understanding of the Trinity, discipleship may become overly focused on rules and regulations, neglecting the relational aspect. It can also become overly individualistic, failing to recognize the importance of community and mutual accountability. Furthermore, without the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, discipleship can become merely an exercise in self-effort rather than a transformative journey empowered by God’s grace.
Application of Trinitarian Theology in Discipleship
In my particular ministry context, the doctrine of the Trinity informs the practice of discipleship in several ways. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of relationships in disciple-making. We seek to create an environment where individuals can form deep and authentic relationships with God and with one another. Secondly, we recognize that discipleship is not a solitary endeavor but requires the support and accountability of a community. We encourage small groups and mentorship relationships where disciples can grow together. Lastly, we rely on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower individuals in their discipleship journey.
Conclusion
Relational discipleship from a Trinitarian perspective recognizes that discipleship is fundamentally about entering into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. By understanding and embracing the doctrine of the Trinity, we gain a deeper appreciation for the relational nature of discipleship and are better equipped to make disciples who are rooted in love for God and one another.
