The Allender Center Podcast God in Relationship: Advent and the Trinity with Rev. Dr. Michael Chen
Dec 12, 2025
Rev. Dr. Michael Chen, a pastor, musician, and theologian with a PhD, dives into the significance of the Trinity during Advent. He unpacks how this divine mystery influences our understanding of love, relationality, and beauty. The conversation touches on the profound implications of the Imago Dei, the beauty found in suffering, and divine participation. Michael also draws parallels between musical harmony and the Trinity, while emphasizing the dignity in our faces and the importance of family dynamics. This heartfelt dialogue invites listeners to deeply engage with God's presence this season.
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Doctrine Emerged From Social Conflict
- The Trinity debate was fiercely social and political, not merely abstract theology.
- Understanding God as one essence in three persons reframes human relationality and identity.
Relationality Is Core To Imago Dei
- Trinitarian theology presents God as one essence existing as free persons in relationship.
- This view makes relationship central to what it means to be human and image-bearers of God.
A Suffering God Enables Participation
- Rachel says a suffering, social Trinitarian God reshaped her imagination of God and human vocation.
- Seeing God as relational and suffering invites participation in repairing and co-creating beauty.