Early morning cappuccinos are like a love language to me! During my time in Istanbul, Turkey I frequented a local cafe (with my friend Tris) to sit and read our Bibles before our day began. But naturally as we returned to this cafe morning after morning, we ended up befriending one of the baristas!
Each time he made our coffee, he would ask us questions. We had lots of good conversations (about life and culture and religion) finding a lot of common ground, but also learning from each others differences! He was Muslim and he knew that we were Christians.
One morning while we sat at the bar and watched him make our coffee, he smiled kindly and asked us a question. “How can the God of the Bible be both God and man?” A great question and one that touches on the larger idea of the trinity.
I asked my barista friend if he had a coin. He pulled one Turkish Lira out of his pocket.
I showed him one side of the coin and said “this side of the coin has a face on it right?” He nodded as I flipped it over. “And this side of the coin doesn’t, it looks different, correct?” He nodded again.
Flipping the coin back and forth I explained that both sides make up one coin. Each side is independent but still makes up one coin, one unit.
Each side is of equal value, each bearing a unique form, but consistent in its foundational qualities.
Two independent sides, but still one coin.
Just like this coin, God can simultaneously be independently man (flipping the coin) and independently God (flipping the coin again).
Different forms or representations, but both still one unit and one God at the same time.
Similarly, the trinity is three in one (think a three sided dice). There are three individual units (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), each bearing a unique form, but consistent in their foundational qualities. Three independent representations, but still one God.
The trinity is a concept that many Muslims, non-Christians, (and even Christians alike) can struggle to wrap their minds around. I read something the other day though that challenged the common Islamic refutation of the trinity (which can be applied to a general refutation of the trinity as well)
It said, “Further, some have pointed to the fact that Muhammad was simultaneously a prophet, a husband, and a leader. Why then should a Muslim reject the idea of a plurality of functions (persons) in God?” (Answering Islam by N.L. Geisler & Abdul Saleeb Baker Books U.S.A 1993, page 269).
Our conversation continued and he asked us more questions (and we asked him more questions), just trying to learn and hear the heart behind why he believes what he believes.
At the end I handed him the coin back and he refused to take it, pulling out another one for Tris too. He told us to keep them as a momento and token of appreciation for our conversation.
While no analogy will ever perfectly hold up to the nature of the actual trinity, I share this story because I believe it provides a tangible tool and helpful way of giving shape to a difficult and commonly misunderstood concept within Christianity.
Simple yet powerful metaphor! I’m not sure if I told you this, but I used this days after hearing this story from you!
This is one of my favorite stories from our time in Istanbul! Your boldness and eagerness to share the gospel is so encouraging and life giving! You are such a great example of making the most of the opportunities that the Lord sets before you. Love you sister.