Synergy:
I don't agree with some of Runningman's philosophy, such as his/her claim that Jesus Christ was always human (despite the fact scripture makes it clear that Jesus began as a spirit person), but your above claim that John 1:1 at clause #3 ("and the Word was God") proves Jesus is in a trinity with Almighty God Jehovah is as fallacious as Runningman's claims that Jesus has always been human. While Runningman and a few others who are part of his/her team are demoting Jesus Christ by claiming he has always been a mere human, Trinitarians, on the other hand have gone to the opposite extreme by claiming Jesus is God. In reality, John 1:1 at Clause #3--based upon the context--should say "and the Word was a god." And that's lower case "god."
The the Word is either qualitative of personal in John 1:1 since not the (definite article) God.
Anywhere else in the Bible there is proof the Word is a god? Trinitarians have the issue of using John 1:1 like a standalone one-verse wonder. Interested to see if you can back up your interpretation.
Runningman:
The context (surrounding words, verses, and chapters) to John 1:1 makes it abundantly clear that "the Word is
a god" and not THE God.
John 1:1 has three independent clauses. Look at Clause #1 and Clause #2 of John 1:1 for the first examples of context that debunks the incorrect rendering at Clause #3. Notice below the quotation from a Trinitarian Bible, but take note of the words that I bolded and enlarged in blue at Clause #1 and Clause #2.
"[Clause #1] In the
beginning was the Word, [Clause #2] and the Word was
with God, [Clause #3] and the Word was God."
Clause #1 says in plain language that the spirit person referred to as "the Word" aka Jesus Christ had a beginning.
Scripture says Almighty God
does not have a beginning.
"Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:2 -- New International Version)
Now, take a look at the word that I bolded in blue at Clause #2. Taken literally, that would amount to God being with himself, which makes absolutely no sense.
Below at John 1:14 is another example of context within the very same John chapter 1. Notice the words bolded in blue and how those two words indicates John 1:1 at clause #3 could not possibly be correct when it says "and the Word was God," the Almighty.
"And the Word was made
flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only
begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14 -- King James Bible)
Jesus Christ aka "the Word," could not possibly be God in the flesh because scripture says Almighty God is
not human. Jesus Christ aka "the Word" became human.
"
God is not a human being, that he should lie, or a mortal, that he should change his mind. Has he promised, and will he not do it? Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" (Numbers 23:19 -- New Revised Standard Version)
Now, take a look above at the quotation of John 1:14 where it refers to Jesus Christ aka "the Word" as only
begotten.
Anything or anyone that was begotten is a created being. Notice below the definition of the word "begotten."
"begotten
2 of 2
: brought into existence by or as if by a parent"
… See the full definition
www.merriam-webster.com
Now, take a look at John 1:18, quoted below, which is also context to John 1:1.
"
None has seen God at any time; the
only born Son, he being in the bosom of the Father, he has declared." (John 1:18 -- Smith's Literal Translation)
