The Ancient Witnesses

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

“That is correct,” said Father Greg, “but the Ante- Nicene Fathers—those who lived prior to the Nicene Council—taught a doctrine of the economic Trinity , which means the one God was manifested in different ways at different times.” “But we know that God never changes,” objected Preacher. “That is also correct,” said Father Greg, “and that is why, in time, the doctrine of the economic Trinity was revised.” “What was wrong with it?” asked Joseph. “It sounded too much like Modalism , which is a heresy” said Father Greg. “What kinda heresy?” asked Preacher, frowning. “Some believed that God took the form of Father in the Old Testament days,” replied Father Greg, “then he became the Only Begotten Son at the time of Jesus’s earthly ministry, and finally, with the birth of the Church at Pentecost, God took the form of the Holy Spirit.” “But our God….” “I know, Edward, our God never changes, and the Nicene Creed teaches that the Son and the Holy Spirit are eternal, just as the Father is eternal.” “So how can God be one and three?” asked Preacher. “Ultimately,” said Father Greg, “it’s a mystery.” “That’s just what my Sunday School teacher used to say,” said Preacher, disappointed. “Shall we continue?” asked Mentor. “Yes, indeed!” said Father Greg. “Justin Martyr,” announced Mentor.