God is one divine Principle; Father, Son, Spirit are synonymous terms
Christian Science rejects the traditional doctrine of the Trinity as three persons in one God. Instead, it teaches that God is one divine Principle—infinite Mind, or divine Science—and the terms 'Father, Son, and Holy Ghost' are synonymous names for divine attributes: Life, Truth, and Love respectively. Mary Baker Eddy wrote in Science and Health that these terms refer to one God expressing different aspects of His infinite nature.
This position fundamentally rejects the Nicene Creed and Athanasian formulations, viewing them as theological errors arising from mortal mind rather than spiritual understanding. The divine Principle is impersonal and absolute, not a being with personal relationships.
Key Distinctions
- Persons ontology:
- God is divine Mind/Principle; Father, Son, Holy Ghost are synonymous names for Life, Truth, Love
- Spirit procession:
- not applicable — Spirit is a synonym for God, not a distinct person
- Creed stance:
- Nicene Creed rejected; creeds considered theological error
Scripture References
Sources
- Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy
- Manual of The Mother Church