Christianity is considered a monotheistic religion because it believes in
one God. However, the concept of God in Christianity is complex and is articulated through the doctrine of the
Trinity.
Here's a breakdown of why it's monotheistic despite the Trinity:
* One God in Essence: Christians believe in one God who is eternally existent. This God is the ultimate source of all creation and is unified in essence, substance, and nature.
* Trinity: Three Persons in One God: The doctrine of the Trinity states that this one God exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are co-equal, co-eternal, and share the same divine nature.
* Not Three Separate Gods: The key point is that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not three separate gods. They are three distinct persons within the single divine being. They are united in a way that is beyond human comprehension.
* Biblical Basis: Christians find support for the Trinity in various passages of the Bible that refer to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as divine and working together. However, the explicit formulation of the Trinity as a doctrine developed over time within the early Church.
* Monotheistic Intention: Despite the complexity of the Trinity, Christians insist that their belief is fundamentally monotheistic. They are not worshipping three separate gods, but one God who exists in a triune form.
In summary, Christianity affirms the existence of one God, but understands that God to exist in three distinct persons. It's a unique expression of monotheism, distinguished from other forms of monotheism, such as Judaism and Islam.