The Ancient Witnesses

72 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

“If the Word was with God, and also was God,” said Hippolytus, “does this speak of two Gods? No indeed, One God and two Persons.” “But there are three persons in the Trinity,” Preacher Objected. “Truly,” agreed Hippolytus, “there is a third economy —the grace of the Holy Spirit.” “ Economy ?” said Preacher, “I thought we were talking about the Holy Spirit.” “ Economy is the term some of the early fathers used to describe the manifestation of the Trinity,” explained Father Greg. “Now I’m really confused,” said Preacher. “God is One,” repeated Hippolytus, “it is the Father who commands, and the Son who obeys, and the Holy Spirit who gives the understanding. We cannot even think of One God without believing in Father and Son and Holy Spirit.” “I believe that too,” said Cesar, “but it stills sounds like there are three Gods.” “But the economy of harmony points to one God,” said Hippolytus. Preacher and Cesar both looked puzzled, so I tried to clear things up. What Has Been Believed Everywhere, Always, and By All “The witnesses believe in the Holy Trinity,” I said, “they just used different words to describe it, isn’t that right?” I asked Father Greg.