The Holy Trinity by Duke Mertz

The article argues that the doctrine of the Holy Trinity is not grounded in the original New Testament texts but emerged later through theological additions and editorial expansions. Duke Mertz contends that the Trinity is better explained as a reinterpretation of pagan mystery cult initiation rites, later formalized by church authorities such as the Council of Nicaea to impose doctrinal unity. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://secularhumanism.org/2026/01/the-holy-trinity/ About the Author: Duke Mertz took an early retirement from a career in finance to work with nonprofit organizations and to write. Subscribe to Free Inquiry: https://secularhumanism.org/subscribe/ Free Inquiry Audio Edition is a production of The Council for Secular Humanism and the Center for Inquiry.