Weekly podcast exploring views about the Trinity, and more generally about God and Jesus in Christian theology and philosophy. Debates, interviews, and historical and contemporary perspectives. Hosted by philosopher of religion / analytic theologian Dr. Dale Tuggy.
Tennessee
Listeners of Trinities that love the show mention: hurtado, unitarian, heiser, dale's, christian theology, trinity, charitable, theologians, christian podcasts, new testament, philosophers, church history, partly, theological, philosophical, doctrine, william, scholars, christianity, tradition.
The Trinities podcast is a breath of fresh air for believers seeking thoughtful and engaging discussions on Christian theology. Hosted by Dale Tuggy, this podcast explores the concept of the Trinity from various perspectives, inviting scholars, philosophers, and theologians to share their insights and engage in meaningful dialogue. The podcast not only satisfies a hunger for sober-minded discussion among believers but also encourages listeners to seek out like-minded individuals with whom they can wrestle over scripture. Through rigorous engagement and critical thinking, Tuggy's platform nourishes and sharpens those who are open to being challenged.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is Tuggy's approachable demeanor as he seeks to discover the truth about trinity theories. Unlike many trinitarian apologists, Tuggy maintains an attitude of openness and curiosity throughout his discussions. He dares to ask difficult questions that many Christians may think about but are often too afraid to ask themselves. This courage and humility set him apart as an example worth following.
Another positive aspect of The Trinities podcast is its commitment to providing a wide array of thought-provoking content. Listeners are exposed to a variety of theological, philosophical, historical, and biblical topics that are both interesting and informative. The podcast challenges preconceived notions and encourages listeners to consider different viewpoints with an open mind. It is a platform that welcomes those who are willing to be shown that they may be wrong on important issues.
However, there are a few aspects of the podcast that some listeners may find less appealing. One criticism is the use of "thinking music" interludes between segments, which some may find distracting or unhelpful. Additionally, some feel that Tuggy's choices of prerecorded scripture readings could be improved in terms of elocution, as they can sometimes be distracting from the content being discussed. Lastly, there may be disagreement with some of the guests featured on the show whose thinking may be deemed less creditable. However, Tuggy's rigorous and engaging approach to these discussions serves as a valuable exercise for those willing to be trained by it.
In conclusion, The Trinities podcast is an outstanding resource for believers who are hungry for in-depth discussions on the doctrine of the Trinity. Dale Tuggy's commitment to open-minded exploration and his ability to facilitate engaging conversations with various guests make this podcast a must-listen for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this complex theological subject. While there may be some minor imperfections, the overall value and impact of this podcast cannot be understated. It is a blessing and a true intellectual feast for those seeking to grow in their knowledge and faith.
In this short video apologist Wes Huff confidently dishes out a bunch of mostly standard apologetics “answers” designed to sooth worries about “the doctrine of the Trinity.” In this reaction video I interact with Huff’s claims, clarifying what he’s saying and why, pointing out what he’s doing and not doing, and how he fails to engage with the seemingly non-trinitarian theology of the New Testament. He’s right that it is Christians and not only non-Christians who have various worries about what is imagined to be one single doctrine. But as I discuss, his answers should not soothe Christians concerned about (1) how one can supposedly derive a Trinity doctrine from the Bible, and (2) how Trinity speculations seem incompatible with the theology of the Bible. Links for this episode: Video version of this episode podcast 397 – Debunking Wes Huff's Viral Trinity Moment with Michael Temperato podcast 107 – Dr. Robert M. Bowman Jr. on triadic New Testament passages – part 1 podcast 62 – Dr. Dustin Smith on the preexistence of Jesus in the gospel of John podcast 260 – How to Argue that the Bible is Trinitarian podcast 189 – The unfinished business of the Reformation podcast 248 – How Trinity theories conflict with the Bible Dale Tuggy – Trinitarian “Fool’s Gold” – Mainstream Christian Theologies – Late 100’s to Early 200’s Dale Tuggy – Christian theologies in the year 240 podcast 2 – the “Athanasian Creed” fulfillment fallacy: the Bible teaches that David is God fulfillment fallacy: the Bible on another previous life of Jesus This week’s thinking music is “Slinky” by Mr. Smith.
A befuddled student asked apologist Wes Huff about how to make sense of the Trinity. Huff’s answer has gone viral (also here and here). Obviously, Christians are enjoying and sharing Huff’s answer. But how helpful of an answer is it? Is this an answer that is going to help a thinking Christian love God with all her mind? Does it point her to the relevant biblical teachings? Unfortunately, as Michael and I explain, for a number of reasons Huff’s answer is not helpful to the informed, Scripture-loving truth-seeker. Just after the 48 minutes mark (52 minutes in the video below) I challenge Wes Huff to a debate on whether the one God in the New Testament or the Father alone. For these reasons, he probably will not debate me. But the Christian public who relies on Huff’s Trinity “answers” needs some better information, and to hear the unitarian Christian side of the case. If he does decide to accept the challenge, here is my recently updated starter pack for understanding my views. As we recorded this video, I thought that perhaps it’s unfair to critique Huff’s Trinity thoughts based on an off-the-cuff answer. So in the next two episodes I’m going to interact with two other videos where he states his views at length and fully rehearsed. Perhaps those will fare better? Here’s the video version: https://www.youtube.com/live/6Ipw3TUSVyE?si=X81aJZpvMt36OmMh Links for this episode: Michael Temperato’s YouTube, Tiktok, Instagram Tuggy, What is the Trinity? Stanford Encyclopedia, “Trinity” What Would It Take To Convert You Back To Trinitarianism? ? R. T. Mullins’s interview of William Lane Craig on his own Trinity theory Gaston, Dynamic Monarchianism: The Earliest Christology? Unitarian Christian Alliance Youtube channel Unitarian Christian Alliance Unitarian Christian Alliance – Conference near Sydney, Australia, March 2026 podcast 137 – Daniel Whitby's “Mystery and Revelation Inconsistent” The Bodies of God and the World of Ancient Israel – Dale Tuggy, Benjamin D. Sommer on Gregory of Nyssa’s On Not Three Gods podcast 302 – The Stages of Trinitarian Commitment podcast 262 – The Trinity before Nicaea? podcast 249 – Tuggy vs. Brown debate – The God of the Bible is the Father alone McIntosh, ed. One God, Three Persons, Four Views podcast 388 – Yes, “the Trinity” is a Problem – Part 2 podcast 387 – Yes, “the Trinity” is a Problem – Part 1 The Standard Opening Move Why I’m Not a Buddhist – Dr. Dale Tuggy podcast 76 – Justin Martyr's Dialogue with Trypho – Part 3 podcast 75 – Justin Martyr's Dialogue with Trypho – Part 2 podcast 74 – Justin Martyr's Dialogue with Trypho – Part 1 This week’s thinking music is “Going Rogue” by Grumplefunk. Other videos in this UCA series: https://www.youtube.com/live/d0nXXVtuU3c?si=gCfoT5pqfw_3_pR9 https://www.youtube.com/live/1lkBSlYRa3E?si=WpCjMtSPndZE4gqm
This final installment includes the cross-examination times, audience Q & A, and our closing statements, of course with my commentary. The cross-examination times are revealing. As we heard in part two, I presented Dr. White with an argument that his interpretation of John 1 implies that there are at least two gods and so should be rejected. In the cross-examination here, I ask which premise he rejects and why, and he says that he rejects this one, because it assumes unitarianism, or that God can be only one Person: 4. To have the divine essence is to be a god. (true by the definition of “divine essence”) But as I explain in this episode, that premise doesn’t assume unitarianism at all, and in fact some trinitarians agree with it, holding that the Father is a god, the Son is a god, and the Spirit is a god, but also that they’re the same god. Really, White’s favorite “assuming unitarianism” argument is just an irrelevant ad hominem. Also, the lexicons exchange in my cross-ex time has to be heard to be believed. I wrap this series up by explaining which side won this debate and why. Here are the images I refer to in my closing statement which summarize three clashing narratives about Trinity doctrines: what apologists say, what theologians say, and what historians say, that is, what one learns from a deep dive into all the primary sources up to about the year 400 (in other words, the truth). (Thanks to Mark Cain for creating these!) If you want to hear more about these pre-trinitarian theologies check out podcasts 381 and 384 linked below. Links for this episode: James White and fans take note: here are six places in which I obviously do not merely assume that God can only be one Person: podcast 189 – The unfinished business of the Reformation, book chapter: “The Unfinished Business of the Reformation,” podcast 334 – “Who do you say I am?”, opening statement here: podcast 377 – Debate: Is Jesus Yahweh? White vs. Tuggy – Part 1, my opening statement in this debate book, podcast 372 – Book Session Identity Crisis – Part 1 podcast 384 – Mainstream Christian Theologies in the Late 100s – Early 200s and Early Trinitarian “Fool's Gold” podcast 383 – New Zealand Conference Church History Q and A with Sean Finnegan and Dale Tuggy – Part 2 podcast 382 – New Zealand Conference Church History Q and A with Sean Finnegan and Dale Tuggy – Part 1 Transfigured podcast interview on the debate book podcast 381 – Mainstream Christian Theologies in the year 240: What Trinitarian Apologists Don't Know This week's thinking music is “Gemini Instrumental” by Pipe Choir.
Rebuttal times, with abundant commentary.
Commenting on my recent debate with James White - part 1 of 3.
Intending that theological language is orthodox/catholic does not make it so.
When canned answers don't work.
Jesus' temptations were custom-made for the Messiah.
Fourteen scriptural reasons Jesus is not fully divine.
Unitarian Christian convictions often come at a price . . .
Is "the doctrine of the Trinity" easily observed in just about any Christian source from the first three Christian centuries?
Sometimes easy answers are . . . too easy.
Did God himself die on the cross for our sins? Must God be a Trinity if God is perfect in love?
A detective not detectiving.
How you can know that no theologian in this era believed in a tripersonal God. And: what views did they hold?
Another day, another round of excellent church history questions from conference attendees.
A wide-ranging Q&A session with excellent questions from New Zealand conference attendees.
Can we find trinitarians in the year 240 AD?
A new book on the portrayal of Jesus in the Gospel According to John.
Working through the arguments with an assist from AI.
Mutual interrogations, closing statements, and audio Q&A. In your view, which side won?
A new debate: opening statements and rebuttals.
Some responses and a debate challenge.
Not all engagement is good engagement.
Q & A time, forgiving sins, Cerberus, and some answers critiqued.
Is it true that most ancients lacked the concept of numerical identity?
Four authors summarize their views on the Trinity.
Is the New Testament Jesus "divine," and is he supposed to have two natures?
Exploring a new argument against any sort of catholic Trinity theory.
Can a "mere" human being represent God on the earth? What does the Bible say?
Understanding "the plural of majesty" in the Hebrew Bible.
Cross-examinations, closing statements, and audience Q&A - with post-debate links.
A helpful two-on-two debate from April 2023: opening statements and rebuttals.
How can debating serve the cause of unitarian Christianity?
Evaluating three proposed reasons why God would be motivated to incarnate.
A deep dive on divine attributes, processions, and "social" trinitarianism.
What is "mere" social trinitarianism, and why is it controversial among trinitarian theologians?
Is it the foundational commitment of biblical unitarians that Scripture must be inoffensive to human reason?
Basic questions answered, and a bit of history.
A brief address to and about the Unitarian Christian Alliance.
A thoughtful Baptist confronts his church about biblical vs. later teachings about God, Jesus, and heresy.
You say you've looked into the biblical credentials of "the doctrine of the Trinity." But have you actually read anything by unitarian Christians?
"I had come to this belief truly just through studying the Word."
Did fourth century Christians come to a consensus about "the doctrine of the Trinity"?
Is there a plausible and biblical "doctrine of the Trinity"?
Is the question absurd? Or does it make sense in light of New Testament teachings?
Can a historian conclude that Jesus thought he was God?
Is the "Granville Sharp Rule" + 2 Peter 1:1 and Titus 2:13 "fatal to unitarianism"?
Some critical thinking about Craig's Trinity theories: his Trinity monotheism and his minimal tripersonal monotheism.
Discussing trinitarian vs. unitarian Christian theologies with Dr. William Lane Craig.
A very revealing collection of mid-third-century theological arguments.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
