god

The concept of a supreme being, a unique creative entity, basic to several monotheistic religions (for example Judaism, Christianity, Islam); in many polytheistic cultures (for example Norse, Roman, Greek), the term refers to a supernatural being who personifies the force behind an aspect of life (for example Neptune, Roman god of the sea).

Since the 17th century, advances in science and the belief that the only valid statements were those verifiable by the senses have had a complex influence on the belief in a god. (See also monotheism, polytheism, deism, theism, pantheism, and God.)

God

In Christianity, the supreme creator and ruler of the universe. The Christian religion, like Judaism and Islam, maintains that there is only one God (monotheism), who is active in and concerned about the world. These religions are also patriarchal (male-dominated), which has resulted in God being described as ‘He’. Recently, some theologians have argued that this ignores the positive female characteristics of the Godhead in favour of masculine qualities.

The true nature of God is beyond human experience and understanding. However, Christians believe God is infinite (without beginning or end), omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), benevolent (all-loving), eternal, unchanging, holy, perfect, and personal. The Christian idea of God is shown in the belief of the Trinity. God is One, but with three aspects: God the Father, the creator, ruler, and sustainer of all life, and divine judge; God the Son, who is Jesus, God made incarnate and saviour of humanity; and the Holy Spirit, who is God working in the world.

In the past many people had an anthropomorphic view of God. They pictured God in human form, often as a wise, bearded old man. Few hold this belief now, and most Christians interpret descriptions of God as ways of expressing God's attributes. For example, when God is described as ‘Father’, Christians understand God in terms of a perfect father, exercising loving discipline and caring for them, wishing only the best for them. Jesus, who spoke the Aramaic language, taught his followers to address God as Abba. Abba is the word for father, but is better translated as the term of affection ‘daddy’, indicating how personal Jesus believed the relationship between God and people should be.