Why the trinity doesn't make sense: Five reasons.
1. **Jesus was a Jew, right?** Well, Judaism at the time of Jesus, and to this day (indeed throughout history), confess belief in only one individual who is God; the one called Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob/Israel. If Jesus was a Jew, then he too must have held this belief, right? We don't have to guess the answer; Mark 12:28-34 actually records a conversation in which Jesus explicitly agreed with a non-trinitarian, Jewish scribe on his Jewish definition of God. So, if Jesus believed in the trinity, he should have disagreed with this scribe. But he doesn't; he not only agrees with him, but compliments him on his sound reasoning, stating "you are not far from the kingdom of God"!
2. **There is not a single place in scripture where the trinity is explained.** Where is the verse, chapter or book which simply states the doctrine? If this belief is so important, shouldn't it be explained all over the place like other doctrines are, (such as 'Jesus death')? Obviously, the Bible can be used to "support" the trinity, but it can also be used to support slavery, antisemitism, flat earth theory, etc. There's been all sorts of wacky groups who've claimed that the Bible supports their pet theories. Sure, one could go through the arduous chore of compiling together a verse here, a verse there, to finally erect an impressive facade which, rather than elucidating scripture, actually obscures it. Honestly, the trinity must be read into scripture, not out from it. In fact, nobody will arrive at 'the trinity' from only reading what the Bible says, but rather will be impressed by countless "the Lord our God is *one* Lord"s. It has to be taught alongside scripture, and even then most people don't even understand it! I know this from experience with Christian friends. Not that I blame them, of course, but it is sad.
3. **Controversy**. In the New Testament, a number of historical controversies are recorded, from the speaking in tongues controversy in Corinth, to the Jerusalem council, which decided whether or not new Gentile converts needed to keep the law. However, one controversy is strikingly absent from the New Testament document; a controversy over a new definition of God. I mean, think about it. Here I am, challenging your understanding of who God is and you're probably feeling a bit uncomfortable, right? What if, as a missionary, I came to your church, and started preaching that God is only the Father, and not the father, son and HS? Wouldn't that cause controversy? Of course. People who believe one thing about God don't just change the moment they hear one new idea. What about in the first century? You've got all these Jewish communities throughout the mediterranean world who are strictly monotheistic, and these Christians come to town preaching a message about the trinity. Wouldn't that cause problems? Of course. In the entire New Testament, we find no controversy over the trinity, to such a degree, that it is never even spelled out clearly. Isn't the simplest explanation that this doctrine just wasn't around yet?
4. **The language the Bible uses to talk about God.** Pronouns can either be singular or plural. If we read a singular pronoun, like "I" or "She", we know that a singular person is in mind. But when we read a plural pronoun like "we" or "They", we know that a group of persons are being referenced. So what about God? If God is comprised of multiple persons, then of course we should find plural pronouns when God is spoken of; if God is a singular individual then we should find singular pronouns instead. Think back to texts you've read about God. Which kind of pronouns are used? Eg. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For *I* know the plans *I* have for you". It doesn't say, "For *We * know the plans *We* have for you." In both the Old and New Testaments, tens of thousands of times, when God speaks, or when people speak of God, they use singular pronouns instead of plural ones.
5. **Jesus' knowledge** If Jesus is fully God, then he must have full knowledge. What about Mark 13:32 - "But of that day or hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father *alone*." Was Jesus lying? If Jesus is God, then of course he knew when he planned this event. This is clear evidence that Jesus did not know everything. Are we going to believe Jesus' own words, or should be cling to our tradition, regardless of what the scriptures say?