The Trinity

    WJEC
    GCSE

    The doctrine of the Trinity represents the central mystery of Christian theology, asserting the existence of one God in three hypostases: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This study necessitates a rigorous examination of the transition from Jewish monotheism to the Nicaean formulation, the rejection of subordinationist and modalist heresies, and the schism precipitated by the Filioque controversy. Candidates must evaluate both the Immanent Trinity (God's internal nature) and the Economic Trinity (God's interaction with creation), alongside modern reinterpretations by scholars such as Barth and Moltmann regarding the social and relational implications of the Godhead.

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • The Nicene Creed (325 AD)
    • Matthew 3:13-17 (The Baptism of Jesus)
    • Matthew 28:19 (The Great Commission)
    • 2 Corinthians 13:14 (The Grace)
    • John 1:1-14 (The Word/Logos)
    • Galatians 4:6 (Abba, Father)

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have listed the three persons; now explain the distinct function of the Holy Spirit in the modern church."
    • "Integrate a quote from the Nicene Creed to substantiate your point about the Father as Creator."
    • "Your evaluation is one-sided; consider why some Christians (e.g., Unitarians) might reject the Trinitarian view."
    • "Differentiate clearly between 'God the Son' and 'God the Father' to avoid implying they are the same Person."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for explicit reference to the Nicene Creed as the foundational definition of Trinitarian doctrine.
    • Credit responses that distinguish the roles: Father as Creator/Lawgiver, Son as Incarnate Saviour/Judge, Holy Spirit as Sustainer/Guide.
    • Candidates must link the Trinity to worship practices, specifically Baptism (Matthew 28:19) and the Eucharist.
    • High-level responses must explain the concept of 'unity in diversity'—avoiding the error of three separate gods (Tritheism).

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 'Discuss' questions, ensure you evaluate the difficulty of understanding the Trinity as a mystery versus its necessity for salvation.
    • 💡Always cite a specific text when explaining the Trinity; Matthew 3:13-17 (The Baptism) is the most versatile.
    • 💡Use the terminology 'Persons' of the Trinity, not 'parts', to demonstrate theological precision.
    • 💡When explaining the Holy Spirit, link explicitly to the ongoing life of the Church (Pentecost/Acts 2).

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Describing the Trinity as three separate Gods (Tritheism) rather than one God in three Persons.
    • Committing the error of Modalism (suggesting God is one person who changes 'masks' or modes).
    • Failing to use specific Sources of Wisdom and Authority (SOWA) to back up points, relying solely on general knowledge.
    • Confusing the role of the Holy Spirit with the role of the Son in the post-resurrection context.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    What is meant by
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    Compare

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