Introducing a New Model of God’s Infinity?

Today, I’d like to introduce the Relational Infinity Model of the Trinity. It occurred to me that the “Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity” idea allows for framing doctrine in an ontological context that’s first “relational”, because this idea necessitates divine persons, which last I checked are relational through and through. So, if we accept this ontology, there’s a method to represent the Trinity’s infinity distinct from Divine Simplicity and Actus Purus, the prevalent concepts in Trinitarian discussions about the Christian God’s infinity. Here’s an innovative model to supplement these classical infinites. It represents a third type of ‘universal-like’ infinity, rather than the merely a qualitative expression of God’s infinity people are use to (“God is love”). Unlike the previous two, which do not limit qualities and qualifications, this new model also avoids such restrictions. Enjoy

The Relational Infinity Model: The Relational Infinity Model in Trinitarian Theology offers an understanding of the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – in terms of their state of infinities. The idea is that the Trinity is the act of infinity and the infinity of infinities, so having a model for their infinities-theologically- helps clarify the doctrine of God in a helpful, yet often opaque dimension. This particular model is one particular infinity the Trinity is. It departs from the conventional notion of the Divine Persons as merely coexisting, instead emphasizing a deep, ongoing interrelation characterized by fully realized relational interpenetration. This interaction fosters a dynamic, active, and relational infinity, distinct from broader theological interpretations.

Central to this model is the eternal and transcendent nature of God’s act, transcending temporal limitations, thus signifying an infinite divine action. This perspective sees creatures as participants in the divine act, engaged relationally, reflecting and responding to God’s constant, eternal outpouring. Unlike mere physical or temporal interactions, this involvement extends into deeper spiritual and relational realms.

The model underscores the unceasing, active nature of divine interaction and sustenance, in line with the concept of the Trinity’s perpetual relational engagement. Human engagement is perceived as a transcendental analogy, transcending physical interaction to encompass a more profound spiritual and relational connection with the divine.

The “Relational Infinity Model” is defined by several key properties:

1. Profound and Perpetual Interrelation: Highlighting the endless, dynamic connection among the Trinity’s Persons.

2. Fully Actualized Relational Interpenetration: Illustrating the eternal, deep engagement of the Divine Persons with each other.

3. Eternal and Transcendent Divine Act: Portraying God’s action as surpassing temporal limits, representing an infinite aspect.

4. Infinite Openness: Describing boundless unity and relationship among the Trinity’s Persons, characterized by complete openness and mutual sharing, mirroring an unending unity.

Portraying infinities in theology involves capturing their universal actuality, a concept central to the Relational Infinity Model. This model’s theological properties yield three key attributes, aligning it with universal notions of infinity akin to mathematical concepts:

1. Multiplicity within Unity: This aspect, akin to a matrix within the divine nature, underscores a unified multiplicity, reflecting the divine essence’s complex unity.

2. Dynamic, Relational Nature: The model emphasizes the ongoing, dynamic interaction among the Trinity’s Persons, paralleling various orders of infinity, highlighting relationality as a core component.

3. Infinite Openness and Mutual Sharing: This feature of the Trinity’s Persons in the model represents a profound interplay of interaction and distinct identity preservation within an expansive infinite system. This mirrors the nuanced balance of unity and distinction within the theological framework.

These aspects collectively depict an active, dynamic, and relational concept of infinity within the Trinitarian framework. Within the Relational Infinity Model, the divine act is characterized by a dynamic, relational nature that resonates with the Trinitarian concept of continuous relational interaction. This model emphasizes the autonomous engagement of the Divine Persons within the Godhead. Each Person of the Trinity – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – uniquely embodies and reflects God’s transcendent qualities, expressing the divine nature in a distinct yet unified manner. These Divine Persons embody the essence of the divine, transcending temporal and spatial limitations, while maintaining their unique identities within the unified divine essence.

Infinite Openness, a crucial concept of the model, refers to the limitless relationship and unity within the Trinity. It indicates complete openness and mutual sharing within their relationships, where each Person is fully engaged with the others, reflecting deep unity and connection without fragmentation in God’s singular essence.

The Relational Infinity Model presents a nuanced, richly interconnected understanding of the Trinity, portraying infinite, dynamic, relational freedom in the divine act, consistent with the Trinitarian concept of continuous relational interaction. The Divine Persons are seen as a timeless capacity for dynamic, relational interaction within the Trinity. This includes the perpetual, limitless interrelation, and mutual enrichment of the Divine Persons, independent of temporal constraints. This model emphasizes the distinct yet unified expression of the Divine Persons, each manifesting God’s immanent reality of transcendent qualities. The cornerstone of the model, Infinite Openness, describes the limitless relationship and unity within the Trinity, marked by complete openness and mutual sharing. This concept underscores an unending unity and responsive engagement among the Divine Persons, offering a nuanced and deeply interconnected understanding of the Trinity, characterized by infinite openness and unity.

The divine unity of the Trinity is an infinity wherein The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, each fully possessing the divine essence, exist in perfect unity and harmony within the Godhead. This harmony reflects a congruent co-inherence within an embodiment that inherently defines divine perfection and ontology. In the context of divine interactions with creation, God’s actions are dynamic and responsive, emphasizing active engagement with creation, guiding, sustaining, and nurturing it towards its ultimate fulfillment. The Christological Union signifies the profound and mysterious union of the divine and human natures in Jesus Christ, fully manifesting both the distinction and inseparable connection between the Creator and the created in the Incarnation. This union allows believers to actively partake in God’s essence through participation in His divine life and activities.

Let me know what you think? Does it work? And if it works, does it even help Trinitarian Discourse?