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The Shield of the Trinity is also known as *Scutum Fidei*, a Latin name derived from the Vulgate translation of Ephesians 6:16.
Answer: True
Explanation: The *Scutum Fidei*, or 'shield of faith,' is the Latin name for the Shield of the Trinity, directly referencing Ephesians 6:16 in the Vulgate translation, as it summarizes aspects of Trinitarian doctrine.
The fundamental structure of the Shield of the Trinity diagram consists of four nodes and six interconnected links.
Answer: True
Explanation: The diagram's fundamental structure comprises four typically circular nodes and six interconnecting links.
The three outer nodes of the Shield of the Trinity diagram are labeled 'God', 'Christ', and 'Holy Spirit'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The three outer nodes are traditionally labeled 'The Father' (*PATER*), 'The Son' (*FILIUS*), and 'The Holy Spirit' (*SPIRITUS SANCTUS*), while 'God' (*DEUS*) is the central node.
The central node of the Shield of the Trinity diagram is labeled 'God' (Latin *DEUS*).
Answer: True
Explanation: The central node of the diagram is indeed labeled 'God' (*DEUS*), distinguishing it from the peripheral nodes representing the persons of the Trinity.
The links connecting the central 'God' node to each of the outer nodes are labeled 'is not' (Latin *NON EST*).
Answer: False
Explanation: The links connecting the central 'God' node to each of the outer nodes are labeled 'is' (Latin *EST*), signifying the divine nature shared by each person of the Trinity.
The links connecting the three outer nodes to each other are labeled 'is not' (Latin *NON EST*).
Answer: True
Explanation: The links interconnecting the three peripheral nodes are indeed labeled 'is not' (Latin *NON EST*), emphasizing the distinct personhood of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Shield of the Trinity diagram is primarily intended as a schematic diagram of the structure of God.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shield of the Trinity is not intended as a schematic of God's structure, but rather as a concise visual tool to represent the theological statements of the Athanasian Creed.
What is the Latin name for the Shield of the Trinity, and what does it mean?
Answer: *Scutum Fidei*, meaning 'shield of faith'
Explanation: The Latin name for the Shield of the Trinity is *Scutum Fidei*, which translates to 'shield of faith', derived from Ephesians 6:16.
How many nodes and links fundamentally constitute the Shield of the Trinity diagram?
Answer: Four nodes and six links
Explanation: The fundamental structure of the Shield of the Trinity diagram consists of four nodes and six interconnected links.
Which of the following is NOT a traditional label for one of the three outer nodes of the Shield of the Trinity diagram?
Answer: God (*DEUS*)
Explanation: The three outer nodes are traditionally labeled 'The Father,' 'The Son,' and 'The Holy Spirit.' 'God' (*DEUS*) is the label for the central node.
What is the label for the links connecting the central 'God' node to each of the outer nodes?
Answer: 'is' (Latin *EST*)
Explanation: The links connecting the central 'God' node to each of the outer nodes are labeled 'is' (Latin *EST*), indicating that each person of the Trinity is God.
Which of the following propositions can be directly read from the Shield of the Trinity diagram?
Answer: God is the Son
Explanation: The diagram explicitly states 'God is the Son' (*DEUS EST FILIUS*), while also stating that the Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is God.
What is the primary purpose of the Shield of the Trinity diagram?
Answer: To serve as a compact visual device for statements in the Athanasian Creed
Explanation: The primary purpose of the Shield of the Trinity diagram is to function as a concise visual mnemonic for the theological statements contained in or implied by the Athanasian Creed.
From which biblical verse is the name *Scutum Fidei* derived?
Answer: Ephesians 6:16
Explanation: The name *Scutum Fidei* is derived from the Vulgate translation of Ephesians 6:16, which refers to the 'shield of faith'.
The precise origin of the Shield of the Trinity diagram is unknown, but it was influenced by 12th-century attempts to symbolize the Trinity visually.
Answer: True
Explanation: The exact origin of the Shield of the Trinity diagram remains obscure, though its development was clearly shaped by 12th-century efforts to create abstract visual representations of the Trinity.
Petrus Alfonsi's Tetragrammaton-Trinity diagram from approximately 1109 is considered a probable precursor to the Shield of the Trinity.
Answer: True
Explanation: Petrus Alfonsi's Tetragrammaton-Trinity diagram, dating from around 1109, is indeed recognized as a probable precursor, alongside Joachim of Fiore's diagram, to the Shield of the Trinity.
The earliest attested version of the Shield of the Trinity diagram dates back to a manuscript from the 15th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The earliest attested version of the Shield of the Trinity diagram is found in a manuscript from approximately 1208–1216, specifically Peter of Poitiers' *Compendium Historiae in Genealogia Christi*.
The Shield of the Trinity diagram was most widely used during the 19th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The period of the diagram's most widespread use was during the 15th and 16th centuries, not the 19th century, which saw only a limited revival.
During its peak usage in the 15th and 16th centuries, the diagram was found in numerous English and French manuscripts, stained-glass windows, and ornamental carvings.
Answer: True
Explanation: During its peak in the 15th and 16th centuries, the diagram was indeed widely incorporated into English and French manuscripts, stained-glass art, and architectural carvings, particularly in regions like East Anglia.
The use of the Shield of the Trinity diagram declined in England with the rise of Catholicism.
Answer: False
Explanation: The use of the diagram in England diminished with the advent of Protestantism, not Catholicism.
The Shield of the Trinity experienced a limited revival as an actively used Christian symbol starting in the 19th century.
Answer: True
Explanation: Beginning in the 19th century, the Shield of the Trinity did indeed undergo a limited revival as an actively employed Christian symbol among English-speaking Christians.
The 19th-century revival of the Shield of the Trinity was partly due to its inclusion in the 1865 *Handbook of Christian Symbolism*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The revival of the Shield of the Trinity in the 19th century was partly spurred by its inclusion in influential publications such as the 1865 *Handbook of Christian Symbolism* by the Audsleys.
The only name for this diagram in regular use during the Middle Ages was 'Shield of the Holy Trinity'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The only name for this diagram in regular use during the Middle Ages was *Scutum Fidei*, meaning 'Shield of the Faith'.
The specific phrase 'Shield of the Trinity' became the most common name for the diagram in English during the 19th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The specific phrase 'Shield of the Trinity' became the most common name for the diagram in English during the 20th century, not the 19th century.
In the Middle Ages, Anglo-Norman French was the primary language used for captions in the Shield of the Trinity diagram.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the Middle Ages, Latin was the primary language for captions in the Shield of the Trinity diagram in Western Europe, though Anglo-Norman French is attested in at least one instance.
The earliest major variant of the Shield of the Trinity diagram is attested in manuscripts from approximately 1400-1450 AD.
Answer: False
Explanation: The earliest major variant of the Shield of the Trinity diagram is attested in manuscripts from approximately 1208–1260 AD, not the 15th century.
The image from Peter of Poitiers' writings shows a modern interpretation of the Shield of the Trinity diagram.
Answer: False
Explanation: The image from Peter of Poitiers' writings, dating to around 1210, depicts the earliest attested version of the Shield of the Trinity diagram, not a modern interpretation.
Which of these is considered a probable precursor to the Shield of the Trinity diagram?
Answer: Petrus Alfonsi's Tetragrammaton-Trinity diagram from c. 1109
Explanation: Petrus Alfonsi's Tetragrammaton-Trinity diagram from approximately 1109 is identified as a probable precursor to the Shield of the Trinity, along with Joachim of Fiore's diagram.
When does the earliest attested version of the Shield of the Trinity diagram date back to?
Answer: Approximately 1208-1216 AD
Explanation: The earliest attested version of the Shield of the Trinity diagram dates to a manuscript from approximately 1208–1216 AD, found in Peter of Poitiers' *Compendium Historiae in Genealogia Christi*.
During which historical period was the Shield of the Trinity diagram most widely used?
Answer: 15th and 16th centuries
Explanation: The Shield of the Trinity diagram experienced its most widespread use during the 15th and 16th centuries, appearing in numerous manuscripts, stained-glass windows, and carvings.
What led to the decline in the use of the Shield of the Trinity diagram in England?
Answer: The rise of Protestantism
Explanation: The use of the Shield of the Trinity diagram in England declined significantly with the rise of Protestantism.
When did the Shield of the Trinity experience a limited revival as an actively used Christian symbol?
Answer: Beginning in the 19th century
Explanation: The Shield of the Trinity experienced a limited revival as an actively used Christian symbol among English-speaking Christians starting in the 19th century.
Which book contributed to the 19th-century revival of the Shield of the Trinity's use?
Answer: *Handbook of Christian Symbolism*
Explanation: The 1865 *Handbook of Christian Symbolism* by William James Audsley and George Ashdown Audsley played a role in the 19th-century revival of the Shield of the Trinity's use.
What was the only name for this diagram in regular use during the Middle Ages?
Answer: *Scutum Fidei*
Explanation: During the Middle Ages, the only name for this diagram in regular use was *Scutum Fidei*, meaning 'Shield of the Faith'.
When did the specific phrase 'Shield of the Trinity' become the most common name for the diagram in English?
Answer: During the 20th century
Explanation: The specific phrase 'Shield of the Trinity' became the most common English designation for the diagram during the 20th century.
What was the primary language used for captions in the Shield of the Trinity diagram during the Middle Ages in Western Europe?
Answer: Latin
Explanation: Latin was the primary language for captions in the Shield of the Trinity diagram during the Middle Ages in Western Europe, reflecting its status as the liturgical and scholarly language.
In late medieval Europe, the Shield of the Trinity emblem was considered to be the heraldic arms of the Pope.
Answer: False
Explanation: In late medieval Europe, the Shield of the Trinity was considered the heraldic arms of God and the Trinity itself, not specifically the Pope.
The Shield of the Trinity diagram began to be used heraldically from the mid-15th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The diagram began to be used heraldically from the mid-13th century, not the mid-15th century.
Matthew Paris' *Chronica Majora* (c. 1250) included a shield-shaped version of the diagram among heraldic shields.
Answer: True
Explanation: Matthew Paris' *Chronica Majora*, dating to approximately 1250, did indeed feature a shield-shaped rendition of the diagram within its collection of heraldic shields, although it was not depicted on a physical shield.
A shield-shaped version of the diagram, typically on a blue shield, was attributed as the arms of God by heralds in 15th-century England and France.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 15th-century England and France, the shield-shaped version attributed as the arms of God was typically depicted on a red shield (gules), not a blue one.
The 'banner of the Trinity' displayed by Henry V at Agincourt would have featured the Shield of the Trinity emblem on a red flag.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical accounts confirm that the 'banner of the Trinity' carried by Henry V at Agincourt would have indeed depicted the Shield of the Trinity emblem on a red flag.
The Priory of Black Canons near Aldgate used the Shield of the Trinity diagram on a green shield as its coat of arms.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Priory of Black Canons near Aldgate used the Shield of the Trinity diagram on a blue shield (azure) as its coat of arms, not a green one.
In the Middle Ages, the shield-shaped version of the diagram was sometimes imagined as a protective shield wielded by the Archangel Gabriel.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the Middle Ages, the shield-shaped diagram was sometimes imagined as a protective shield wielded by the Archangel Michael or an ordinary soul, not specifically Gabriel.
What notable 13th-century manuscript included a shield-shaped version of the diagram among heraldic shields?
Answer: Matthew Paris' *Chronica Majora*
Explanation: Matthew Paris' *Chronica Majora*, dating to approximately 1250, is a notable 13th-century manuscript that included a shield-shaped version of the diagram among its heraldic shields.
What was the typical shield color for the 'arms of God' attributed by heralds in 15th-century England and France?
Answer: Red (gules)
Explanation: In 15th-century England and France, the 'arms of God' were typically depicted on a red shield (heraldic 'gules').
What was the 'banner of the Trinity' displayed by Henry V of England at Agincourt?
Answer: A banner with the Shield of the Trinity emblem on a red flag
Explanation: The 'banner of the Trinity' displayed by Henry V at Agincourt featured the Shield of the Trinity emblem on a red flag, as documented by contemporary chroniclers.
What was the coat of arms for the Priory of Black Canons near Aldgate in the City of London?
Answer: The diagram on a blue shield
Explanation: The Priory of Black Canons near Aldgate used the Shield of the Trinity diagram on a blue shield (azure) as its coat of arms.
What is the significance of the color green when used for the shield in heraldic depictions of the diagram?
Answer: It is the color of Trinity Sunday or the Trinity liturgical season in some traditions.
Explanation: The color green, when used for the shield in heraldic depictions of the diagram, is significant because it is the liturgical color for Trinity Sunday or the Trinity season in certain Christian traditions.
In the Middle Ages, what symbolic role was sometimes imagined for the shield-shaped version of the diagram?
Answer: A protective shield wielded by the Archangel Michael or an ordinary soul
Explanation: In the Middle Ages, the shield-shaped version of the diagram was sometimes conceptualized as a protective shield, wielded by figures such as the Archangel Michael or an ordinary soul, in spiritual warfare.
What does the image from the Wernigerode Armorial (c. 1490) show about the 'coat of arms of God'?
Answer: It displays a blue shield color, differing from the red used in England.
Explanation: The image from the Wernigerode Armorial (c. 1490) depicts the 'coat of arms of God' with a blue shield, which contrasts with the red shield typically used for this emblem in English heraldry during the same period.
The links in the Shield of the Trinity diagram are directional, typically shown with single-headed arrows.
Answer: False
Explanation: The links in the Shield of the Trinity diagram are non-directional, a characteristic sometimes emphasized by explicit bidirectional labeling or double-headed arrows in modern renditions.
A symmetrical rounded form of the diagram with one vertex up and two down was popularized in the modern period by the Audsleys' *Handbook of Christian Symbolism*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Audsleys' 1865 *Handbook of Christian Symbolism* indeed popularized a symmetrical rounded form of the diagram with one vertex oriented upwards and two downwards in the modern period.
On the coat of arms of Trinity Parish, Jersey, all four node captions are fully spelled out.
Answer: False
Explanation: On the coat of arms of Trinity Parish, Jersey, all four node captions are reduced to single initials, not fully spelled out.
In some late medieval English church decorations, the four connected circles of the diagram are intended as a symbol of the Trinity even when all text is omitted.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, in certain late medieval English church decorations, the four interconnected circles of the diagram are understood as a symbol of the Trinity, even in the absence of explicit textual labels.
The Shield of the Trinity diagram can be color-coded, for instance, showing positive parts in red and negative parts in black, to enhance clarity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The diagram can be color-coded for clarity, but the source specifies positive parts in black and negative parts in red, not the reverse.
As the First Person of the Trinity, the Father is always placed in the most honorable position in the diagram.
Answer: True
Explanation: Consistent with theological hierarchy, the Father, as the First Person of the Trinity, is invariably positioned in the most honorable place within the diagram, typically the top left or topmost node depending on orientation.
In 13th-century versions of the diagram, the caption *FILIUS* was typically placed in the top node.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 13th-century versions of the diagram, the caption *FILIUS* was typically placed in the bottom node, often accompanied by a cross in the connecting link.
A cross drawn in the link between the center node and the bottom node symbolizes that the Second Person of the Trinity entered into the world.
Answer: True
Explanation: The cross in the link between the central node and the bottom node indeed symbolizes the Incarnation, signifying that the Second Person of the Trinity, the Word, 'was made flesh' and entered the world.
After the 13th century, in the diagram with one vertex down, the Son was more often placed in the bottom node.
Answer: False
Explanation: After the 13th century, in the diagram with one vertex oriented downwards, the Son was more frequently placed in the top right node, and the Holy Spirit in the bottom node.
Some 20th-century authors suggested that the diagram with one vertex down is more appropriate for Western Christianity, while the form with one vertex up represents Eastern Christianity.
Answer: True
Explanation: Certain 20th-century authors, such as Edward N. West, did indeed propose a hyper-refined interpretation linking diagram orientation (vertex down vs. vertex up) to Western and Eastern Christian theological distinctions, particularly concerning the Filioque clause.
The hyper-refined interpretation of diagram orientation regarding Western and Eastern Christianity aligns perfectly with 13th-century historical usage.
Answer: False
Explanation: This hyper-refined interpretation of diagram orientation does not align with 13th-century historical usage, nor with modern Catholic and Protestant applications of the diagram.
Which modern form of the diagram was popularized by the Audsleys' *Handbook of Christian Symbolism*?
Answer: A symmetrical rounded form with one vertex up and two down
Explanation: The Audsleys' *Handbook of Christian Symbolism* popularized a symmetrical rounded form of the diagram with one vertex oriented upwards and two downwards in the modern period.
How are the four node captions reduced on the coat of arms of Trinity Parish, Jersey?
Answer: They are reduced to simple initials.
Explanation: On the coat of arms of Trinity Parish, Jersey, all four node captions are abbreviated to single initials for conciseness.
In some late medieval English church decorations, what is the significance of the four connected circles of the diagram when all text is omitted?
Answer: They are intended as a symbol of the Trinity.
Explanation: In certain late medieval English church decorations, the four interconnected circles, even without text, are understood to symbolize the Trinity.
How can the Shield of the Trinity diagram be color-coded to enhance clarity, according to the source?
Answer: Positive parts in black, negative parts in red
Explanation: To enhance clarity, the diagram can be color-coded with positive or asserting parts shown in black and negative or denying parts in red, as seen in a 15th-century stained glass window.
In the form of the diagram with one vertex down, where is the caption *PATER* or 'Father' always placed?
Answer: In the top left node (heraldically the top right or 'dexter chief')
Explanation: In the diagram form with one vertex oriented downwards, the caption *PATER* or 'Father' is consistently positioned in the top left node, which is heraldically known as the 'dexter chief'.
In 13th-century versions of the diagram, where was the caption *FILIUS* placed, and what symbolic element was often included in the connecting link?
Answer: Bottom node; a cross
Explanation: In 13th-century renditions of the diagram, the caption *FILIUS* was typically placed in the bottom node, and a cross was frequently inscribed in the link connecting it to the central node, symbolizing the Incarnation.
What idea does the cross drawn in the link between the center node and the bottom node symbolize?
Answer: That the Second Person of the Trinity entered into the world
Explanation: The cross drawn in the link between the central node and the bottom node symbolizes the Incarnation, specifically that the Second Person of the Trinity, the Word, 'was made flesh' and entered the world.
After the 13th century, how did the placement of the Son and Holy Spirit change in the diagram with one vertex down?
Answer: The Son was placed in the top right node, and the Holy Spirit in the bottom node.
Explanation: Subsequent to the 13th century, in the diagram with one vertex oriented downwards, the Son was more commonly positioned in the top right node, with the Holy Spirit in the bottom node.
Which authors popularized a recent major variant of the Shield of the Trinity diagram among some English-speaking Protestants?
Answer: Paul P. Enns and H. Wayne House
Explanation: Paul P. Enns and H. Wayne House popularized a recent major variant of the Shield of the Trinity diagram among some English-speaking Protestants through their respective theological handbooks.
Does the hyper-refined interpretation of diagram orientation (Western vs. Eastern Christianity) align with historical usage?
Answer: No, it does not agree with 13th-century usage or modern Catholic/Protestant use.
Explanation: The hyper-refined interpretation linking diagram orientation to Western versus Eastern Christianity does not align with either 13th-century historical usage or contemporary Catholic and Protestant applications of the diagram.
What does the image from William Peraldus' *Summa Vitiorum* (c. 1255–1265) illustrate regarding the Shield of the Trinity diagram?
Answer: The inclusion of the Latin phrase *e converso* to clarify bidirectional links.
Explanation: The image from William Peraldus' *Summa Vitiorum* illustrates the use of the Latin phrase *e converso* ('vice versa') in the link captions to explicitly denote the bidirectional nature of the connections within the Shield of the Trinity diagram.