Trinitarian formula
From Wikinfo
- Also see: Criticism of the Trinitarian formula
The trinitarian formula is the phrase "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (original Greek εις το ονομα του πατρος και του υιου και του αγίου πνεύματος, eis to onoma tou patros kai tou huiou kai tou hagiou pneumatos), or words to that form and effect referring to the persons of the Holy Trinity.
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Biblical origin
These words are quoted from a command of the resurrected Jesus in Matthew 28:19, commonly called the Great Commission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Use in baptism
According to Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and most forms of Protestantism, a baptism is not valid if the trinitarian formula is not used in the administration of that sacrament. Consequently, they may not recognize religious communities that baptize without the trinitarian formula— e.g. Unitarians, Branhamists, Frankists, all of whom deny the Trinity—as Christian religions. Some of these other religions (Frankists and Branhamists in particular) use the formula In the name of Jesus (based on Acts 2:38) for baptism, and in their turn re-baptize converts baptized under the trinitarian formula. They claim that previously these would not have been aware that 'Jesus is the Lord', Jesus being the name of the Son, Father and Holy Ghost).
Jehovah's Witnesses baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" but deny the Trinity. They believe Jesus is the "Son of God" not "God the Son" and that the Holy Spirit is God's active power not "God the Holy Spirit".
Other uses
As well as baptism, the formula is used in other prayers, rites, liturgies, and sacraments. One of the most common uses of the Trinitarian invocation is when Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Anglicans, Lutherans, and others make the Sign of the Cross while reciting the formula.
See also
Adapted from the Trinitarian formula article at Wikipedia
