<P> Subsequently, in the understanding of Trinitarian Christian theology, Scripture "bears witness to" the activity of a God who can only be understood in Trinitarian terms . The doctrine did not take its definitive shape until late in the fourth century . During the intervening period, various tentative solutions, some more and some less satisfactory, were proposed . Trinitarianism contrasts with nontrinitarian positions which include Binitarianism (one deity in two persons, or two deities), Unitarianism (one deity in one person, analogous to Jewish interpretation of the Shema and Muslim belief in Tawhid), Oneness Pentecostalism or Modalism (one deity manifested in three separate aspects). Additionally, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints believes the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are three separate deities, two of which possess separate bodies of flesh and bones, while the Holy Ghost has only a body of spirit; and that their unity is not physical, but in purpose . </P> <P> The word "trinity" is derived from Latin trinitas, meaning "the number three, a triad". This abstract noun is formed from the adjective trinus (three each, threefold, triple), as the word unitas is the abstract noun formed from unus (one). </P> <P> The corresponding word in Greek is tριάς, meaning "a set of three" or "the number three". The first recorded use of this Greek word in Christian theology was by Theophilus of Antioch in about 170 . He wrote: </P> <P> In like manner also the three days which were before the luminaries, are types of the Trinity (Τριάδος), of God, and His Word, and His wisdom . And the fourth is the type of man, who needs light, that so there may be God, the Word, wisdom, man . </P>

Where did the doctrine of the trinity originate