Misrepresenting God Distances Us from Him

For centuries, mainstream Christianity has taught the doctrine of the Trinity as an unquestionable truth. It has been described as a mystery, something beyond human comprehension, and many have been taught that to deny it is to reject God Himself. But what if this doctrine is not only inaccurate but also functions as an Idol of the Mind—a humanly crafted concept that distorts God’s true nature?

Idolatry is often associated with physical statues and images, but Scripture defines it much more broadly. Idolatry occurs whenever people create a false representation of God—whether physical or conceptual—and the worship of that instead of the true God.

Scripture warns against making images of God, which includes not only physical representations but also forming concepts about Him that contradict His nature. This emphasizes the importance of worshiping God as He has revealed Himself, rather than as human tradition or philosophy dictates (Exodus 20:4-5). Paul describes how people, instead of honoring God as He is, “changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man” (Romans 1:21-23). This demonstrates that idolatry includes false understandings of God’s nature.

Jesus also warned against human traditions that obscure true worship: ^“And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ⁸ For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” ⁹ He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition” (Mark 7:7–9).

If the Triune is not how God actually revealed Himself, then it would be a man-made doctrine that distorts the truth—functioning as an idol in the minds of believers. The traditional Trinity doctrine was not explicitly taught by Jesus or the apostles but was formalized through church councils centuries later. Rather than being derived solely from Scripture, it was shaped by philosophical influences and enforced as dogma. The Nicene Creed (325 AD) is a man-made doctrine which later church councils defined as God’s nature in ways that go beyond biblical revelation.

Many theologians claim that the Trinity is beyond human comprehension, a mystery that cannot be understood. But if God desires a relationship with us, why would He remain unknowable? John 17:3 states that eternal life is knowing the Father and the Son—not understanding an abstract mystery.

It seems that the Nicene Creed actually redefines God’s nature because the Bible consistently portrays God as a Father with a Son, not as an indistinct triune essence. Many are taught to accept the Trinity without questioning it, often under threat of being labeled heretical. But how can blind acceptance over scriptural examination lead us to the truth about anything. In fact when Paul was in Berea, he said that the Bereans “were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so”  (Acts 17:11).

Misunderstanding God’s nature has led to widespread confusion in Christianity. The idea that God is an incomprehensible mystery distances believers from truly knowing Him. But Scripture consistently reveals a God who wants to be understood—a Father and Son working in perfect unity, inviting us to share in that relationship: ^“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, ² as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. ³ And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:1-3).

The triune doctrine has had a profound impact on Christian theology and practice—often distancing believers from the biblical relationship between the Father and the Son. It essentially obscures the Father-Son relationship. Jesus came to reveal the Father (John 1:18), yet the Trinity shifts the focus from knowing God relationally to defining His “essence.” This emphasis diverts attention away from the Father, contrary to Jesus’ mission. He consistently pointed people to the Father, but the Trinity teaching redirects that focus, often making Jesus the central object of worship rather than the Father, whom Jesus Himself worshiped (John 4:23, Matthew 6:9).

Another consequence of the triune teaching is the diminishing of Christ’s role. The biblical Jesus is subject to the Father (John 5:19, 1 Corinthians 11:3), yet the Trinity promotes a co-equal, co-eternal structure that downplays Christ’s subordination and mission.

In light of this confusion, what should we do?

• Worship God as He reveals Himself (John 14:9-10; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Romans 8:15)
• Recognize that knowing God is central to Eternal Life (John 17:3)
• Follow Jesus’ teachings about God’s Family (Matthew 6:9)
• Abandon doctrines that hinder a True Relationship with God (Colossians 2:8)

The Triune doctrine, rather than bringing believers closer to God, has created a conceptual barrier—a theological idol that misrepresents Him. Jesus did not come to make God more mysterious; He came to reveal the Father. The question is: Will we believe Him, or will we hold onto the traditions of men?

Ryan Welsh