Calvinist theologian R.C. Sproul, in his book, “What is the Trinity?: 10 (Crucial Question Series)“, says:

The concept of the Trinity has emerged as a touchstone of truth, a non-negotiable article of Christian orthodoxy. However, it has been a source of controversy throughout church history, and there remains much confusion about it to this day, with many people misunderstanding it in very serious ways.

I find this to be a very valuable insight and quote, coming from a Pastor who has had to deal with the doubts of his congregation. His crucial question book series seeks to enlighten the Christian masses on the various theological doubts and questions  they may face with the Christian religion. The description to this particular book states, “Though the word Trinity is not found in the Bible, there is no doubt that the Scriptures teach this triune nature of God. Yet the concept still challenges our finite minds.” It continues by stating,  “Above all, he affirms that while this truth is difficult to understand, it is not contradictory.” In summary, this Calvinist Christian scholar teaches us that the Trinity is:

• A source of doctrinal controversy for the Christian faith.
• Confusing from its emergence till today.
• Misunderstood by many Christians in very serious ways.
• A Triune concept which challenges human thought.
• Difficult to understand.

These are troubling claims for this Christian academic to proclaim, to understand why, we need to read John 14:26:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

What does verse 26 mean when it says the Holy Spirit will teach believers all things? According to Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible, the Holy Spirit’s job is to explain the beliefs about God which are necessary for Christian salvation, evidently the Trinity has to be counted as one of the things necessary to be known for Christian salvation:

“he shall teach you all things: this is the proper work and business of the Spirit, to teach, interpret, and explain all things which Christ had said to them; to make them more plain and easy to their understandings; to instruct them in all things necessary to salvation, and to be known by them, that they might teach them others:”

From this, we can then come to the logical conclusion that the Trinity was not spoken of by Christ, otherwise the Holy Spirit would have taught about it, interpreted it, explained it completely, made it plain and easy to understand for Christians to believe in. Since the Spirit did not do these things, then according to John 14:26, Christ did not speak this doctrine to the disciples. The Trinity, as admitted by this Christian scholar, is a source of confusion for Christians and a source of controversy for the Christian religion.

and God knows best.