Tripartite monotheism

Tripartite monotheism

The technical term used for a misconception non-Christians often have of Christianity's God.

Trinitarianism holds that God "is one only and supreme God, with no... parts" [Westminster Confession of Faith, paragraph 3.1] and is therefore a form of monotheism that is distinct from tritheism.

A Tripartite deity, on the other hand, is composed of multiple parts or entities, and is therefore a form of tritheism.

Trinitarians and non-Trinitarians alike hold that a tripartite deity would be composed of either finite or infinite parts. If finite, then the deity would be finite. If infinite, then there would be multiple infinities -- an irrational conclusion.

Common analogies for the distinction would be a sphere (spatially triune), or a committee of three (tripartite). The first is a single entity. The second is not.


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