1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"

Whether the Trinitarian formula in 1 John 5:7-8 ('the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one'), found mainly in late Latin manuscripts, is considered part of the original text.

Overall consensus49/100

Charismatic Movement

Charismatic Movement

Charismatic

Varies

Some cite for Trinity; textual status acknowledged; not widely emphasized

The Charismatic Movement's approach to the Comma Johanneum (1 John 5:7b-8a) is generally pragmatic: while some Charismatic teachers cite this passage in discussions of the Trinity, many are aware of its textual status. The passage is not a major focus in Charismatic theology or preaching, as other passages with stronger textual support are preferred for establishing Trinitarian doctrine. However, in contexts where traditional or more conservative biblical translations are used, the Comma Johanneum may be cited without extensive discussion of its textual provenance.

The Charismatic emphasis on the Holy Spirit's present activity and power tends to eclipse the focus on historical biblical textual questions, and thus the Comma Johanneum is less central to Charismatic theology than to some other traditions.

Key Distinctions

Textual status:
scholarly Charismatic communities acknowledge textual status
Trinitarian grounding:
cited by some for Trinitarian doctrine
Canonical status:

Scripture References

Sources

  • Some Charismatic teaching on Trinity; scholarly Charismatic acknowledgment of textual issues