1x1x1=1 because the numerical unity is being multiplied by itself not by another. Father, Son and Holy Ghost are I, Thou, and He -- there is numerical diversity so far as personal relation is concerned.

Concerning the species/genus illustration of apples -- this leaves you with three numerical essences categorised under one denomination. The divine unity is more than one of "agreement." It is a unity in "essence."

I strongly suggest we be content to leave Trinitarian discussion where the Christian tradition has wisely left it. The person who approaches this subject should realise he is drawing near sacred ground, and accordingly remove the sandals from off his feet. As John Owen exhorts, "Let him bring with him a due reverence of the majesty, and infinite, incomprehensible nature of God, as that which is not to be prostituted to the captious and sophistical scanning of men of corrupt minds, but to be humbly adored, according to the revelation that he hath made of himself." (Works, 2:368.)

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Yours sincerely,


"Illum oportet crescere me autem minui."