In the quote, Miroslav Volf addresses a common critique that Jews and Muslims often level against Christianity: they argue that the Christian belief in the Trinity constitutes idolatry because it appears to violate the monotheistic principle of worshipping one God. According to Volf, those who make this accusation are missing the nuanced theological understanding of what Christians mean by the Trinity.
The deep meaning behind Volf’s statement lies in his assertion that there is a profound misunderstanding between different religious traditions regarding the concept of God and divine nature. He suggests that Jews and Muslims might not be familiar with or fully grasp the complex Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which posits one God existing as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Christians see this as a mystery of unity in diversity rather than polytheism. By stating that critics misunderstand the Christian position, Volf invites dialogue and encourages people to delve deeper into theological explanations to find common ground.
Miroslav Volf is a prominent theologian known for his work on reconciliation, theology of religions, and ethics. Born in Yugoslavia (now Croatia), he survived the Second World War as a child and later moved to the United States where he has become an influential voice within both academic circles and religious communities. His writings often focus on bridging gaps between different faiths and understanding diverse theological perspectives, making him well-suited to address issues of interfaith misunderstanding like those highlighted in his quote.
