A Critical Analysis of the Doctrine of the Trinity in Christian Theology through the Lens of Sadraean Monotheism

Author

Faculty member of the Islamic Studies Department, Kermanshah University of Technology

10.22080/jepr.2025.30095.1297

Abstract

This study undertakes a comprehensive comparative analysis of the Trinitarian doctrine in Christian theology from the perspective of Ṣadrāean transcendental theosophy (al-ḥikma al-mutaʿāliya). It aims to explore the fundamental epistemological and ontological divergences between these two intellectual systems of Christianity and Islam. The central research question involves examining how these theological frameworks conflict at the metaphysical level and the implications of this conflict for comparative theology and interfaith dialogue. Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology grounded in extensive library research of primary and secondary sources from both traditions, this investigation is structured into three integrated sections: first, a comprehensive analysis of the biblical and theological foundations of the Trinity through examination of key scriptural passages and interpretations by Christian theologians; second, a detailed exposition of the philosophical structure of monotheism in Ṣadrā's thought, focusing on the core concepts of principality of existence (aṣālat al-wujūd), personal unity of existence (waḥdat al-shakhṣiyya lil-wujūd), and gradation of existence (tashkīk al-wujūd); and third, a profound examination of the points of contention between these two paradigms and the feasibility of constructive dialogue between them.
The findings reveal that this conflict stems from fundamental structural differences in ontological foundations. From the perspective of transcendental theosophy, any acceptance of plurality in the divine essence (even in the form of three hypostases) leads to essential ontological polytheism (shirk al-wujūdī), while Christian theology explains the Trinity through the concept of mystery and the distinction between essence and hypostasis.

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References

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