The Rhetorical Question: Would a Raised Jesus Accept the Doctrine of the Trinity?
The question whether Jesus, raised under the teachings of Judaism and without inclusion of the doctrine of the Trinity, would have been taught he was not a god has long intrigued scholars and theologians. This essay explores the implications of this scenario by delving into the historical and religious contexts surrounding Jesus' upbringing and teachings.
Background on Jesus' Upbringing
It is widely acknowledged that Jesus is believed to have been raised in a Jewish family, immersed in the teachings of the Torah and the prophets. However, his early encounters with adultery and a father who was a Roman centurion raise questions about the authenticity of his childhood.
According to Christian lore, Jesus' mother, Mary, fled to Egypt with him and his foster-father, Joseph, after the murders of the Innocents. This period of his life is often referred to as the 'missing years.' If she had not escaped, Jesus would have faced the harsh reality of the stoning death penalty for his mother's alleged adultery. The historical context reveals that Jesus would not have been exposed to sorcery and may not have developed the belief in his own divinity, leading him to a different path—one devoid of theological controversies.
The Absence of the Trinity in Early Jewish Teachings
The concept of the Trinity, a key tenet in Christianity, does not have its roots in the Old Testament (Tanakh). This absence is evident in the writings of the New Testament, which were penned by Greco-Roman authors. The doctrine of the Trinity was not officially defined until the Council of Nicaea in the 4th century AD, over a century after the death of Jesus.
As such, if Jesus had been born and raised in a strictly orthodox Jewish family, he would have been taught the traditional Jewish faith as outlined in the Torah, including the belief in one God, the practices of the Jewish faith, and the awaited Messiah. This messianic figure is described extensively in the Hebrew Bible, with a focus on the lineage and actions he would undertake, such as returning Jews to Israel and rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple.
The Messiah's Role and Expectations
The expectation of the Messiah was deeply embedded in Jewish tradition, with a Messiah anticipated as a male descendant of King David. This figure was expected to bring about a time of peace, restoration, and the divine presence. The various promises made to David and his descendants in the Tanakh underscore the Jewish understanding of the messianic role.
To delve deeper, the concepts of the Messiah in Judaism are detailed in several prophetic passages, such as Isaiah 9:6 and Jeremiah 23:5. The Messiah is described as a figure who will unite the tribes of Israel, restore the land, and bring about a time of peace and prosperity. These writings would likely have been taught to Jesus, shaping his understanding of his role, if he were raised within the Jewish faith.
Conclusion: The Uniqueness of Early Christian Teachings
The absence of the doctrine of the Trinity in early Jewish teachings has profound implications for the development of Christianity. By questioning the impact of early Christian teachings on Jesus, one can better understand the unique path that Christianity took, diverging from traditional Jewish beliefs.
The formation of the Christian faith as an independent tradition, distinct from Judaism, is a complex and disputed topic. The writings attributed to New Testament authors, who were likely influenced by Roman and Hellenistic culture, differ significantly from the teachings found in the Old Testament. This divergence highlights the evolution of Christian theology and the development of the doctrine of the Trinity as a later addition to the religious narrative.