Knowledge 4

Knowledge of God

  • Understanding the existence of God is multifaceted and influenced by human limitations.

Human Finite Nature

  • Humans are inherently finite beings, limiting their understanding of an infinite God.

  • Sin further complicates the pursuit of knowledge about God.

Starter Question

  • Explore the limitations of gaining knowledge of God through creation.

Revealed Knowledge of God

  • Some theologians argue that one can perceive God by examining the world and its intricacies.

  • Human insight into God is constrained due to:

    • The epistemic gap.

    • The presence of sin that clouds perception.

The Epistemic Gap

Definitions

  • An ontological divide exists between humans and God, where:

    • God is eternal and infinite.

    • Humans are mortal and finite.

  • Human comprehension of God is inherently limited by our nature.

Scriptural Reference

  • Isaiah 55:8-9:

    • "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord..."

      • This emphasizes the profound difference between divine understanding and human understanding.

Theologians' Insights

  • Even proponents of natural theology recognize limitations in understanding God through creation.

  • John Calvin emphasizes two types of knowledge:

    • Knowledge of God as Creator

    • Knowledge of God as Redeemer (duplex cognitio Domini)

    • Understanding God through creation is subjective and reliant on personal experiences.

The Role of Sin

Hypothetical Knowledge

  • In theory, humans could attain a complete knowledge of God; thus, sin acts as a barrier to this full understanding.

  • Calvin remarks that due to the ‘ruin of mankind,’ experiencing God as a loving Father or as a Savior is not possible until Christ reconciles humanity with God.

Effects of Sin

  • Roman Catholic Perspective:

    • Original sin does not entirely obstruct knowledge of God.

    • Instead, it dulls attentiveness to God and diminishes one’s desire for Him.

  • Effects of original sin (Catechism, §29) include:

    • Religious ignorance or indifference.

    • Distractions from cares and riches of the world.

    • The tendency to conceal oneself from God.

    • Potential personal reflections on original sin and its manifestations.

Augustine's Influence

  • Both Protestant and Catholic traditions acknowledge Augustine’s contributions:

    • He described the division of human will between cupiditas (selfish desires) and caritas (selfless love).

    • The struggle leads to an imbalance favoring selfish pursuits over altruistic love.

Revealed Knowledge

  • It is essential for humanity to receive revealed knowledge to understand God adequately.

  • Humans cannot grasp the concept of God as a triune entity without divine revelation.