The Definition of God

[Delphi]

God is often defined as having various extraordinary characteristics. Infinitely loving, all powerful, omniscient, the creator of the Universe, etc.

How can we know that this is indeed true? How can we verify such grandiose assertions? No greater claims could possibly be made!

Normally, we make definitions based on verifiable evidence and observation. For example, we define a giraffe as being a large four-legged grazing mammal with a long neck, hooves, a mouth, a tongue, teeth, and two eyes. We can rationally define a giraffe this way based on verifiable observation. We define a giraffe by going out and finding a giraffe, then defining it based on its attributes.

Yet somehow, God is defined in the opposite manner. We do not go out and find god and define it based on its attributes. Instead, we apply god's characteristics to him without ever observing god. Definitions seem to fabricated out of imagination. I find this extremely dubious.

It seems to me that we are applying these definitions to the concept of a god. We cannot verify nor falsify these attributes.

What is going on here?

[Walterbl]

Thomas Aquinas said we cannot know what God is, but rather what He is not. It is impossible for finite humans to grasp the idea of a nearly infinite God. If God is powerful enough to create an entire universe, what could posibly be beyond God's power? Omipotence follows logically.

[polonius]

Thomas Aquinas said we cannot know what God is, but rather what He is not. It is impossible for finite humans to grasp the idea of a nearly infinite God. If God is powerful enough to create an entire universe, what could posibly be beyond God's power? Omipotence follows logically.

RESPONSE: Really? Can God create a rock so heavy he can't lift it?

[TheHolyGhost]

The Definition of God

THE WORD

[Capbook]

The Definition of God

THE WORD

The creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being.

[onewithhim]

The Definition of God

THE WORD

The creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being.

That is an excellent definition. And who does the Bible say God is? Psalm 83:18, KJV. John 17:3.

[Capbook]

The Definition of God

THE WORD

The creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being.

That is an excellent definition. And who does the Bible say God is? Psalm 83:18, KJV. John 17:3.

And also 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God came so we could recognize and understand the truth of God — what a gift! — and we are living in the truth itself, in God's Son, Jesus Christ. This Jesus is both True God and Real Life.
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language

[onewithhim]

The Definition of God

THE WORD

The creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being.

That is an excellent definition. And who does the Bible say God is? Psalm 83:18, KJV. John 17:3.

And also 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God came so we could recognize and understand the truth of God — what a gift! — and we are living in the truth itself, in God's Son, Jesus Christ. This Jesus is both True God and Real Life.
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language

The Message has added to the Scripture. How can it go from saying Jesus is God's Son to saying Jesus is the true God? Jesus said to God (the Father) while praying:

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3, KJV)

Should we take Jesus' words seriously, or dismiss what he is saying?

[Capbook]

The Definition of God

THE WORD

The creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being.

That is an excellent definition. And who does the Bible say God is? Psalm 83:18, KJV. John 17:3.

And also 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God came so we could recognize and understand the truth of God — what a gift! — and we are living in the truth itself, in God's Son, Jesus Christ. This Jesus is both True God and Real Life.
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language

The Message has added to the Scripture. How can it go from saying Jesus is God's Son to saying Jesus is the true God? Jesus said to God (the Father) while praying:

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3, KJV)

Should we take Jesus' words seriously, or dismiss what he is saying?

The MESSAGE is a thought for thought translation, and that is what it understand the verse.
John 17:3 The bolded one does not end in period, and followed by "and Jesus Christ."
If that ends in period that might be an absolute proof text.

[onewithhim]

The Definition of God

THE WORD

The creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being.

That is an excellent definition. And who does the Bible say God is? Psalm 83:18, KJV. John 17:3.

And also 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God came so we could recognize and understand the truth of God — what a gift! — and we are living in the truth itself, in God's Son, Jesus Christ. This Jesus is both True God and Real Life.
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language

The Message has added to the Scripture. How can it go from saying Jesus is God's Son to saying Jesus is the true God? Jesus said to God (the Father) while praying:

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3, KJV)

Should we take Jesus' words seriously, or dismiss what he is saying?

The MESSAGE is a thought for thought translation, and that is what it understand the verse.
John 17:3 The bolded one does not end in period, and followed by "and Jesus Christ."
If that ends in period that might be an absolute proof text.

The Message is not a word-for-word translation but maybe a thought for thought---the translator's thoughts. He should not have added "Jesus is both true God..." The verses at I John 5:20 are referring to God, the Father, whose SON Jesus is.

[onewithhim]

The Definition of God

THE WORD

The creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being.

That is an excellent definition. And who does the Bible say God is? Psalm 83:18, KJV. John 17:3.

And also 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God came so we could recognize and understand the truth of God — what a gift! — and we are living in the truth itself, in God's Son, Jesus Christ. This Jesus is both True God and Real Life.
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language

The Message has added to the Scripture. How can it go from saying Jesus is God's Son to saying Jesus is the true God? Jesus said to God (the Father) while praying:

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3, KJV)

Should we take Jesus' words seriously, or dismiss what he is saying?

The MESSAGE is a thought for thought translation, and that is what it understand the verse.
John 17:3 The bolded one does not end in period, and followed by "and Jesus Christ."
If that ends in period that might be an absolute proof text.

The Message is not a word-for-word translation but maybe a thought for thought---the translator's thoughts. He should not have added "Jesus is both true God..." The verses at I John 5:20 are referring to God, the Father, whose SON Jesus is.

.