Christianity: Concept of God

Explain Ex-Nihilo

Creation from nothing, supported by Augustine

Explain emanation

Creation flows from God similar to light

Explain construction

God as a builder or craftsman

Give the Biblical evidence for ‘construction’

Genesis 2:7, God depicted as a builder or craftsman

Explain ‘artistic expression’

Creation is an act of artistic expression

Give the Biblical evidence for ‘creative expression’

Genesis 1:28, in which it calls God’s creation ‘very good’

How is God’s relationship with creation described?

Personal, emphasising omnipotence and immutability

Give Biblical evidence for God’s personal relationship with the individual

Exodus 33:11, speaking to Moses face to face “as one speaks to a friend”

What is Stewardship?

Christian belief that humans are responsible for caring for God’s creation

Give the Biblical evidence for Stewardship

Genesis 1:28, command to “fill the earth and subdue it”

What 3 insights does God offer?

• Self

• Purpose of Life

• Death and Afterlife

How does God aid understanding the self?

Religious teachings impact how we see ourselves as created in God’s image (Imago Dei)

How does God offer insight into the purpose of life?

Provides meaning like giving why humans are created and caring for God’s world, or passing on God’s word etc

How does God provide understanding of death and the afterlife?

Shapes beliefs of afterlife and judgement with promise of eternal happiness

How do differing views impact understanding of God?

Differing interpretations of teachings, for example Augustine believes ex-nihilo contrasts with the Gnostic view of emanation.

What challenge is there in interpreting God?

Hard to reconcile definition as ‘all loving’ and ‘omnipotent’ with the problem of evil.

How significant is the teachings of the nature of God to Christians?

Extremely, they are central to theology and influence doctrines about the trinity etc.

How does understanding of God’s nature impact Christian experience?

Role of God as personal and a creator is integral to Christian belief system and so world-view.

Who was Martin Buber?

Known for ideas of personal relationships with God, created idea of ‘I-thou’ relationship.

Explain I-Thou relationship

Buber suggested we must have a personal relationship with God, which he termed an ‘I-Thou’ relationship. If we worship God as more of an object we risk an ‘I-It’ relationship with no mutual experience.

What did Buber call God?

The Eternal Thou

What was Augustine’s contribution?

Viewed God’s creation as ex-nihilo as a demonstration of God’s sovereignty, and God as immutable and omnipotent which are foundational to Christian theology.

How could Buber’s upbringing impact his view of God?

Experience significant uncertainty as a child, mother died when he was 3, grew up Jewish in Eastern Europe during early 20th century, impacted his view of God as deeply, deeply personal.