According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, how many persons are in the Godhead?

The correct answer is that there are three persons in the Godhead according to the Westminster Shorter Catechism. This concept is foundational to Christian doctrine, particularly within Reformed theology, which is reflected in the Catechism. It articulates the belief in the Trinity, where God exists as three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each person is fully and completely God, sharing the same divine essence, yet they are individually distinct.

The significance of this understanding is crucial in Christian worship, prayer, and the understanding of salvation, as each person of the Trinity plays a unique role in the believer's life and in the economy of creation and redemption. This doctrine is supported by various passages in Scripture that affirm the distinct roles and relationships within the Godhead, such as the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, which emphasizes baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

In summary, the concept of three persons in the Godhead is a central tenet of orthodox Christian belief and is well encapsulated in the teachings of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.