The Seventh‑day Adventist Church’s Biblical Research Institute (BRI) is presenting a free, two‑session webinar on Thursday, April 10, 2025, aimed at demystifying the doctrine of the Trinity.
“We know the Trinity can be a confusing topic for many,” says Dr. Frank Hasel, BRI associate director. “Through this conversation, we’ll guide viewers step by step through many of the questions that have been raised, showing that what often seems complex is really a beautiful, coherent testimony of God’s character and self‑revelation.”
The BRI is the Adventist Church’s official research arm, founded to pursue rigorous biblical scholarship, promote theological unity in the church, and provide theological resources for pastors, scholars, and everyday readers. Its work supports the denomination’s 28 Fundamental Beliefs. These concise statements summarize core Christian doctrines as understood by Adventists, including the nature of God, salvation, and the role of Scripture.
In recent years, Adventists and non‑Adventists alike have expressed confusion over the second Fundamental Belief, which declares, “There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three coeternal Persons.” According to the latest Global Church Member Survey, 57% of Adventists still describe “the Holy Spirit as God’s power in the world, not a Person,” revealing a real need for clearer teaching and understanding.
“This fundamental belief has been questioned by some, and the topic has rapidly become a worldwide discussion as people are increasingly confused by various claims and counterclaims,” the BRI leaders say.
As a response, BRI Associate Directors Drs. Frank Hasel, Alberto Timm, and Clinton Wahlen, together with Dr. John Peckham, Adventist Review associate editor and research professor of theology and Christian philosophy at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, will participate in both live Q&A sessions, running from 8:00–10:00 a.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. EDT.
The program will be streamed via BRI’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
Each session will highlight a new, two-volume set on the Trinity soon to be released by BRI: Revisiting the Trinity: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Reflections and Exploring the Trinity: Questions and Answers.
“In Revisiting the Trinity, we bring together biblical scholars, church historians, and theologians from around the world to trace the doctrine’s roots and show how its timeless truths speak powerfully to 21st‑century believers,” says Dr. Timm. “Our aim is to demonstrate that Adventist scholarship has a unique voice in the broader Christian conversation about the Godhead.”
Exploring the Trinity, co‑edited by Drs. Clinton Wahlen and John Peckham, addresses some of the most common questions people have about the Trinity from “How can God be one and three at the same time?” to “Who is the Holy Spirit and what is His work?”
“This volume takes a practical approach, addressing 62 of the most common questions regarding the Trinity and providing solid, biblical answers from more than 60 authors representing all parts of the globe,” Dr. Wahlen notes.
“This new 2-volume set on the Trinity is one of many BRI projects that we have to serve the church,” added Dr. Elias Brasil de Souza, BRI director.
Viewers are encouraged to submit questions in advance on the BRI Facebook page. Access is free and links to the livestream are available on the BRI YouTube channel and the BRI Facebook page.
The BRI, founded in 1975 and based at the General Conference headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, serves as the Adventist Church’s hub for biblical and theological scholarship. Through publications, conferences, and digital resources, the BRI seeks to deepen the understanding of Scripture and the church’s Fundamental Beliefs among pastors, educators, and members worldwide.
This story was developed in collaboration with the Biblical Research Institute. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.
