William Paul Young — Trinity, Union, and the Lie of Separation

The Trinity is a central component of Christian theology, and certainly Franciscanism as well, as seen in the mystical theology of St. Bonaventure and other Franciscan theologians. But there’s a problem: The Trinity often feels un-relatable, esoteric, or just downright goofy and strange. Why does the Trinity matter? Is it mere theological jargon for academics and religious? Does Trinitarian theology actually have a practical impact on our lives and walks of faith?

This episode's guest, Wm. Paul Young, is an author who has used story to help make the mystery and beauty of the Trinity accessible to millions around the world. Paul is the author of the novel The Shack, a New York Times bestseller that has sold 25 million copies worldwide and was turned into a movie in 2017 starring Octavia Spencer, Sam Worthington, and Tim McGraw. He is also the author of Eve, Cross Roads, and Lies We Believe About God. He has a wonderful new podcast called “The Paul Young Podcast,” which features short 10-20 minute spiritual reflections 2-3 times a week. In this episode, Paul discusses our participation within the Trinity in our day-to-day lives, our living into our own inherent union with Christ, and how to distance ourselves from the lie that we are separate from God.

Consider meditating upon these Scripture passages about union with Christ: John 17, John 14:15-21, John 15:1-17, Galatians 2:20, and Colossians 1:15-20. Click here to read this episode's show notes: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/off-the-page-by-franciscan-media/

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:02:14) Small Talk and 'The Paul Young Podcast'

(00:05:48) Paul's Journey Into Trinitarian Theology and Writing The Shack

(00:12:40) 'If God Has Ever Been Alone, Love is Not a Possibility'

(00:15:30) Reflection: Relational Thinking

(00:19:23) Invitation to Participate from Union

(00:25:12) Presence, the Eternal Now, and the Theology of Union

(00:30:07) 'Love Expands Around the Knowing'

(00:34:37) The Early Church and the Lie of Separation

(00:39:29) Reflection: Healthy Theology Leads to Healthy Anthropology

(00:44:32) Worth-ship and Worship Within the Dance

(00:50:07) The Cry of Dereliction and the Fall from a Union Perspective

(00:54:51) The Spiritual Practice of Denying Separation

(01:03:34) Reflection: Awareness of the Divine Dance We're Already In

(01:06:13) The Beauty and Relief of Union

(01:08:50) Love is the Only Way

(01:12:43) The Fire of God's Love

(01:14:18) Conclusion