Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary Episode Title: Contradiction vs. Mystery
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Speaker: Dr. R.C. Sproul
Release Date: August 5, 2025

Introduction to the Topic

In this thought-provoking episode of Renewing Your Mind, Dr. R.C. Sproul delves into the intricate theological concept of the Trinity, addressing common misconceptions and objections. The discussion centers on distinguishing between contradiction, paradox, and mystery within the framework of Christian doctrine, particularly focusing on how these concepts relate to understanding the nature of God.

Understanding Contradiction, Paradox, and Mystery

Dr. Sproul begins by defining a mystery as a truth that believers affirm but do not fully comprehend. He emphasizes that Christianity is replete with such mysteries, including the nature of God's infinity, which remains beyond human understanding. As he states, “A mystery is something that we affirm is true, but we don't understand all of the ramifications of it” (00:00).

He proceeds to clarify the distinctions between a contradiction, a paradox, and a mystery:

• Contradiction: An inherently unintelligible statement where two opposing concepts coexist, leading to logical inconsistency. For example, claiming that “God is absolutely mutable and absolutely immutable at the same time” is nonsensical and cannot be reconciled.

• Paradox: A seemingly contradictory statement that, upon closer examination, reveals a deeper truth without violating logical principles. Dr. Sproul illustrates this with the biblical assertion: “for us to be free, we have to become slaves or servants to Christ” (01:20), which appears contradictory but makes sense when considering different aspects of freedom.

• Mystery: A truth that is affirmed without full understanding. Mysteries are credible within their context and do not violate logical principles, unlike contradictions. Dr. Sproul notes, “we have seen real progress in knowledge... but even in heaven, we will remain finite creatures who will not have an ability to have a full comprehension of the nature of God” (02:55).

The Trinity: One Essence, Three Persons

Central to the episode is the doctrine of the Trinity, defined as one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Dr. Sproul addresses the frequent criticism that the Trinity is a contradiction by explaining that it does not violate the law of non-contradiction. He elaborates, “the formula for the Trinity teaches that God is one in essence and three in person, so that it's one in one thing, and three in another” (03:10). This distinction ensures that the doctrine remains logically coherent.

Addressing Common Objections to the Trinity

One prevalent objection is the assertion that the Trinity is a contradiction or irrational. Dr. Sproul refutes this by differentiating between true contradictions and theological mysteries. He emphasizes, “a mystery is something that we affirm is true, but we don't understand all of the ramifications of it,” distinguishing it clearly from a contradiction that defies logic (05:00).

Another objection concerns the linguistic aspect—the term "Trinity" does not explicitly appear in Scripture. Critics argue that it is an extra-biblical term imposed by later theologians. Dr. Sproul counters this by explaining that the term effectively encapsulates biblical teachings on God's unity and tri-personality. He asserts, “the word Trinity... focuses linguistically as a word to capture within it the content of the Scriptures that teach... the unity of God and the tri-personality of God” (15:45), reaffirming that the concept is undeniably biblical even if the specific term is not.

The Role of Theological Terms in Church History

Dr. Sproul provides a historical perspective on the development of theological terminology, explaining that terms like "Trinity" arose out of a necessity to maintain doctrinal precision and combat heretical interpretations. He recounts how heretics like Arius distorted established doctrines by misapplying or ambiguously interpreting theological terms, such as using "homoousios" (of the same essence) incorrectly to challenge the divinity of Christ (12:30).

He further elaborates on the concept of studied ambiguity, a tactic used by heretics to obscure true doctrine by deliberately leaving theological statements vague, thereby allowing for multiple interpretations. Dr. Sproul highlights that precise terminology acts as a shibboleth, a litmus test to identify adherence to orthodox beliefs. For instance, he mentions J.I. Packer's view of "inerrancy" as a shibboleth to affirm one's stance on scripture’s reliability (20:50).

Conclusion and Future Directions

Dr. Sproul concludes by reiterating the importance of distinguishing between contradiction and mystery in theological discussions. He underscores that while mysteries may remain beyond human understanding, they do not equate to contradictions that undermine faith. Looking ahead, he hints at further exploration of the Trinity, particularly the nuanced meanings of "essence" and "person" within the divine nature, promising deeper theological insights in upcoming episodes (23:50).

Notable Quotes

• “A mystery is something that we affirm is true, but we don't understand all of the ramifications of it.” — Dr. R.C. Sproul (00:00)

• “For us to be free, we have to become slaves or servants to Christ.” — Dr. R.C. Sproul (01:20)

• “The formula for the Trinity teaches that God is one in essence and three in person, so that it's one in one thing, and three in another.” — Dr. R.C. Sproul (03:10)

• “A mystery is something that we affirm is true, but we don't understand all of the ramifications of it.” — Dr. R.C. Sproul (05:00)

• “The word Trinity... focuses linguistically as a word to capture within it the content of the Scriptures that teach... the unity of God and the tri-personality of God.” — Dr. R.C. Sproul (15:45)

• “In the 16th century... the doctrine of justification... was the greatest theological controversy in the history of the Church.” — Dr. R.C. Sproul (18:30)

• “In our next session, we will look again at this formula one in essence, three in person, and see if we can at least unravel the theological content of what is meant by those terms that are used.” — Dr. R.C. Sproul (23:50)

Final Thoughts

Dr. R.C. Sproul's insightful examination of the Trinity versus the notions of contradiction and mystery offers listeners a deeper understanding of this profound theological doctrine. By clarifying these concepts and addressing common objections, Sproul equips Christians to confidently uphold and articulate their faith.

For more in-depth study, listeners are encouraged to explore the upcoming episodes where Dr. Sproul continues to unpack the complexities of the Trinity and other foundational Christian doctrines.