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----Although the mere existence of God can be deduced by natural reason his nature is beyond our understanding. He gives life to all and he is the author of love and forgiveness. [[John 1:4]] describes this beautifully:: ''{{Bible verse|John|1|4|lang=WEB}}''
:''This article focuses on the concept of singular, monotheistic '''God'''. See [[deity]], [[gods]], or [[goddesses]] for details on [[divine]] entities in specific [[Cults and other religions|religions]] and [[mythology|mythologies]].''{{sectionstub}}
'''God''' is a term referring to the concept of a supreme being, generally believed to be ruler or ===[[Creator God|creatorTrinity]] of, and/or [[immanent]] within, the [[universe]]. The concept of a singular God is characteristic of [[monotheism]], but it is not always possible to draw a sharp distinction between some forms of monotheism and some forms of [[polytheism]] (see also [[henotheism]]).===
Some concepts of God may include The Trinity is the Christian [[anthropomorphicdoctrine]] attributes, while others hold it impossible (or [[blasphemy|blasphemous]] to imagine teaching) that describes the three-in-one (triune) nature of God in any physical form. Some hold Although impossible to fully grasp, the Bible reveals that there is one and only one God is necessarily , and also that the [[moralityGod the Father|morallyFather]] good (see is God, and yet [[summum bonumJesus]]). Others feel that the Son is God is beyond , and also the understanding of human morality. [[Negative theologyHoly Spirit]] argues that no true statements about attributes of God may be made at all, and some hold is God to be beyond the understanding of humanity altogether. Some mystical traditions ascribe limits to God's powersThat is, arguing that there is one God's supreme nature leaves no room for spontaneitywho eternally exists in three distinct persons.
A singular God is necessarily unique (but see [[Trinity]], [[Dualism]]). Still, different traditions and understandings of the concept may cause disagreement among believers regarding the God revered by others. Belief in a single God may give rise to concepts of [[absolute morality]], and also to a claim of exclusivity (see [[Chosen people]]). {{sectionstub}}
Some espouse an exclusionist view, seeing the God venerated by others with different beliefs as inferior or nonexistent. Others hold an inclusionist view, assuming the God venerated by others to be the same God under a different name. Many people hold personal, sometimes even [[secular]] interpretations of God, typically in agreement with a concept of an "[[Absolute Infinite]]". ==Quotes==
== Etymology ==Earliest attestation of the Germanic word in the [[6th century]] [[Codex Argenteus]] ([[Gospel of Matthew|Mt]] 5:9)]]The word ''God'' continues [[Old English]]/[[Germanic languages|Germanic]] ''god'' (''guþSri Aurobindo, gudis'' in [[Gothic]], ''Gott'' in modern [[German language|German]]). The original meaning Thoughts and [[etymology]] of the Germanic word ''godAphorisms'' : A God who cannot smile could not have been hotly disputed, though most agree to a reconstructed [[Proto-Indo-European]] form ''*ǵhutóm'', which is a passive perfect participle from the root ''*ǵhu-'', which likely meant "[[libation]]", "[[sacrifice]]". Compare:-* [[Vedic]] [[Sanskrit]] ''hu-'' = "to sacrifice".* [[Greek]] ''khu-'', ''kheu-'' = "to pour".* Common [[Germanic]] strong verb ''geutan'' ([[Anglo-Saxon]] ''gēotan'') = "to pour", English ''[[ingot|in-got]]''.<br>The connection between these meanings is likely via the meaning "pour a [[libation]]". <br>Another possible meaning of ''*ǵhutóm'' is "invocation", related to [[Sanskrit]] ''hūta''created this humorous universe.
The word 'Robertson Davies in 'God'Conversations' was used to represent Greek ''theos'', Latin ''deus'' in Bible translations, first in the Gothic translation of the New Testament by [[Ulfilas]]: A man who recognizes no God is probably placing an inordinate value on himself.
Also some people in the world, mainly Hindu, believe that the word Albert Einstein : Before God, is actually an acronym(G.O.D.). The acronym stands for Generator, Observer/Operator, Destroyer. This belief although rare, is held quite dearly by some people.we are all equally wise - and equally foolish
===Capitalisation===Benjamin Franklin[[KJV]] of [[1611]] ([[Psalms]] 23:1,2): Occurrence of "<font style="font-variant:small-caps">Lord</font>" (and "God" in the heading)]]The development of English orthography was dominated by [[Christianity|Christian]] texts. Capitalised "God" was first used to refer to the Judeo-Christian conceptheals, and may now signify any monotheistic conception of God, including the translation of doctor takes the [[Arabic language|Arabic]] ''[[Allah]]''fee. In early English bibles, the [[Tetragrammaton]] was rendered in capitals: "IEHOUAH" in [[William Tyndale]]'s version of [[1525]]. The [[KJV|King James Version]] of [[1611]] renders*''[[YHWH]]'' as "The <font style="font-variant:small-caps">Lord</font>"*''[[Elohim]]'' as "God"*''Adonay YHWH'' and ''Adonay Elohim'' as "<font style="font-variant:small-caps">Lord</font> God"*''kurios ho theos'' as "<font style="font-variant:small-caps">Lord</font> God" (in the [[New Testament]])
The use of capitalisation, like for a proper noun, has persisted, to disambiguate the concept of a singular ''God'' from [[paganC.S. Lewis]] deities: God whispers to us in our pleasures, orspeaks in our conscience, but shouts in the Christian view, false [[idol]]s, for which lowercase ''god'' was continued our pains: it is His megaphone to be applied, mirroring the use of Latin ''deus''rouse a deaf world. Pronouns referring : God will look to every soul like its first love because He is its first love.: If God are also often capitalised, and traditionally thinks this state of war in the masculine [[gender (grammar)|gender]], iuniverse a price worth paying for free will.. e. "He", "His" etcthen we may take it it is worth paying.
== Names of God ==Galileo Galilei (1564 ~ 1642)''See main article'': [[Names of I do not think it is necessary to believe that the same God]]who has given us our senses, reason, and intelligence wished us to abandon their use, giving us by some other means the information that we could gain through them.
The generic term ''Yiddish proverb, : If God'' is the proper English name used for the deity of [[Monotheism|monotheistic]] faiths. Different names for God exist within different religious traditionslived on earth, people would break his windows.
* [[Allah]]—[[Islam]]/[[Arabic language|Arabic]]J. See also R.R. Tolkien: If you do not believe in a personal God the question: `What is the [[Ninety-nine names purpose of Allah]]life?' is unaskable and unanswerable.
* [[Jehovah]], [[Yahweh]] (based on the Hebrew name ''YHVH'' (יהוה) and [[Elohim]] Thomas Jefferson : It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are some of the names used for God in the Christian [[Bible]]twenty gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.
* See [[The name of God in Judaism]] for Jewish names of God. (NoteImmanuel Kant: when written or typed as a proper noun, some observant Jews will use the form "G-d" so that "Reason can never prove the written name existence of God cannot be desecrated". Some Orthodox Jews consider this inappropriate because English is not the Holy Language.)
* The [[Trinity|Holy Trinity]] (meaning The FatherEmily Dickinson : They say that God is everywhere, the Son ([[Jesus]] [[Christ]]), and the [[Holy Spirit]]/"[[Holy Ghost]]") - A name used primarily in [[Catholicism|Catholic]] and [[Eastern Orthodox]] prayers and liturgyyet we always think of Him as somewhat of a recluse.
* Most [[Hindu]]s worship the personal form of Catherine Doherty: With God or [[Saguna Brahman]], or [[Hindu trinity]], as [[Vishnu]], [[Shiva]], or directly as [[Brahman]] through the [[Gayatri mantra]]. A common prayer for Hindus every moment is the [[Vishnu sahasranama]], which is a hymn describing the one thousand names moment of Godbeginning again.
* [[Sikhs]] worship Unknown source: You can live without God with the name [[Waheguru]], but you better not die without him.
*[[JahRomans 5]] is the name of God in [[Rastafarianism]].:7-8: {{Bible verse|Romans|5|7|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|Romans|5|8|lang=WEB}}
* Some churches ([[United Church of Canada1 John 4:16]]: God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, [[Religious Science]]) are using "the One" alongside "and God" as a more gender-neutral way of referring to God (See also [[Oneness]])in him.
==History of monotheism==''See also [[monotheism1 John 1:5]]: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.''
The religions widely thought of as monotheistic today are of relatively recent origin historically, although Eastern religions (notably religions of [[China]] and [[IndiaExodus 3:14]](King James Version) that have concepts of [[panentheism]] are difficult to classify along [[Western world|Western]] notions of monotheism vs. polytheism: God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and sometimes have claims he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of being very ancientIsrael, if not eternalI AM hath sent me unto you.
In the [[Ancient OrientIsaiah 45]]:5-7 (King James Version): I am the LORD, and there is none else, many cities had their own local godthere is no God beside me: I girded thee, but this [[henotheistic]] worship of a single god did though thou hast not imply denial of known me: That they may know from the existence of other gods. The [[Hebrew]] [[Ark rising of the Covenant]] adapted this practice to a [[nomad]]ic lifestylesun, paving their way for a singular God. The cult of and from the solar god [[Aten]] west, that there is often cited as the earliest known example of monotheism, but even if [[Akhetaten]]'s [[Great Hymn to the Aten|hymn to Aten]] praises this god as omnipotent creator, worship of other gods none beside him never ceasedme. Early examples of monotheism also include two late [[rigveda|rigvedic]] hymns (10.129,130) to a [[Panentheistic]] [[creator god]], [[Shri Rudram]], a [[Vedic]] hymn to [[Rudra]], an earlier aspect of [[Shiva]], which expressed [[monistic theism]]I am the LORD, and there is still chanted today, the [[Zoroastrian]] [[Ahuramazda]] and [[China|Chinese]] [[Shang Ti]]none else. The worship of polytheistic gods, on the other hand, is seen by many to predate monotheism, reaching back as far as I form the [[paleolithic]]. Todaylight, monotheistic religions are dominant (mainly due to the missionary efforts of [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]]), but polytheismcreate darkness: I make peace, and to a lesser extent also [[animism]], survivecreate evil: I the LORD do all these things.
==The existence of Spike Milligan: And God ==said, 'Let there be light'See also [[arguments for the existence of God|arguments for]] and [[arguments against there was light, but the existence of God|arguments against]] the existence of GodElectricity Board said he would have to wait until Thursday to be connected.''
===Arguments for Woody Allen: If only God===would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name in a Swiss bank.Arguments for or against : How can I believe in God when just last week I got my tongue caught in the existence roller of God date back to classical times. an electric typewriter?
*'''{{returnto}} [[Cosmological argument]]s''' contend that the existence of the universe is contingent upon the existence of God. *'''[[Teleological argument]]s''' argue that the structure of aspects of the [[Cosmos]], such that the high level of complexity seen in the universe or the apparent fine-tuning of physical constants, require a divine designer. *'''[[Argument from morality|Arguments from morality]]''' contend that the existence of 'good' and 'evil' imply the existence of God. A more comprehensive list of such arguments can be found in [[Arguments for the existence of God]]. ===Arguments against God===Alternately, there are a variety of [[arguments against the existence of God]]. *The '''[[problem of evil]]''' argues that gratuitous suffering is inconsistent with an [[Omnipotence|omnipotent]] but [[Benevolence|benevolent]] God. *The '''[[Argument from Inconsistent Revelations|argument from inconsistent revelations]]''' argues the diversity of different religious beliefs makes the 'truth' of any particular viewpoint on God highly improbable. *'''[[Incompatible-properties arguments]]''' contend that many of the properties often assigned to God are logically inconsistent with each other. *Some [[atheist]]ic arguments follow a '''[[burden of proof]]''' line of reasoning, claiming that the existence of a God is an extraordinary claim that should be rejected until proven otherwise by a preponderance of empirical evidence. ===Fideism===[[Fideism]] maintains that all attempted proofs and disproofs of God's existence are misguided, as belief in God must depend on [[faith]] rather than any rational arguments or proofs. This argument makes the existence of God a spiritual "question" as opposed to an intellectual one. Fideists often quote [[scripture]] as support for their claim, such as [[wikisource:Bible, English, King James, Hebrews#Chapter 11|Hebrews 11:6]]. ==Theology==[[Theology]] is the study of religious beliefs. Theologians attempt to explicate (and in some cases systematize) beliefs; some express their own experience of the divine. Theologians ask questions such as: What is the nature of God? What does it mean for God to be singular? If people believe in God as a duality or trinity, what do these terms signify? Is God [[transcendent]], [[immanent]], or some mix of the two? What is the relationship between God and the universe, and God and mankind? * [[Theism]] holds that God is both [[transcendent]] and [[immanent]]; thus, God is simultaneously infinite and in some way present in the affairs of the world. Catholic theology holds that God is [[divine simplicity|infinitely simple]] and is [[eternity|outside of time]]. Most theists hold that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent, although this belief raises questions about God's responsibility for evil and suffering in the world. Some theists ascribe to God a self-conscious or purposeful limiting of omnipotence, omniscience, or benevolence. [[Open TheismChristianity]], by contrast, asserts that God has limits. A few people use the word "monotheism" to refer to the belief in God and use "theism" to refer to any belief in gods, i.e., monotheism or polytheism. * [[Deism]] holds that God is wholly transcendentCategory: God exists, but does not intervene in the world beyond what was necessary for God to create it. In this view, God is not [[anthropomorphic]], and does not literally answer prayers or cause [[miracle]]s to occur. * [[Monotheism]] holds that there is only one God, and/or that the one true God is worshipped in different religions under different names. It is important to note, however, that monotheists of one religion can, and often do, consider the monotheistic god of a different religion to be a false god. For instance, many Christian fundamentalists consider the God of Islam ([[Allah]]) to be a false god or [[demon]] (although theologians and linguists argue that "Allah" is merely the Arabic word for "God," and not the literal name of a specifically Muslim god). Many Jews consider the [[messiah]] of Christianity ([[Jesus]]) to be a false god and some monotheists (notably fundamentalist Christians) hold that there is one [[triune]] God, and that all gods of other religions are actually demons in disguise (as in [http://wikisource.org/wiki/Bible%2C_English%2C_King_James%2C_2_Corinthians#Chapter_11 2nd Corinthians 11] verse 14). Eastern religious believers doctrine and [[Liberal Christiandebates]]s are more likely to assume those of other faiths worship the same God as they. * [[Pantheism]] holds that God is the universe and the universe is God. [[Panentheism]] holds that God contains, but is not identical to, the Universe. The distinctions between the two are subtle, and many consider them unhelpful. [[Kabbalah]], Jewish mysticism, paints a [[pantheistic]]/[[panentheism|panentheistic]] view of God, which has wide acceptance in [[Hasidic Judaism]], particularly from their founder [[Israel ben Eliezer|The Baal Shem Tov]]. It is also the view of the [[Liberal Catholic Church]], [[Theosophy]], [[Cosmotheism]], [[Hinduism]], some divisions of [[Buddhism]], and [[Taoism]], along with many varying denomintions and individuals within denominations. * [[Dystheism]] is a form of theism which holds that God is malevolent as a consequence of the [[problem of evil]]. Dystheistic speculation is common in theology, but there is no known church of practicing dystheists. See also [[Satanism]]. Most believers allow for the existence of other, less powerful spiritual beings, and give them names such as [[angel]]s, [[saint]]s, [[Djinn]], [[demon]]s, and [[devas]].==== Biblical definition of God ====[[16th century]] Christian view of [[Genesis]]Category: God creates [[Adam]] ([[Michelangelo]], [[Sistine Chapel]])]]The [[Hebrew Bible]] ([[Old Testament]]) characterizes God by these attributes: "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation." (Exodus 34:6–7) The Hebrew Bible contains no systematic theology: No attempt is made to give a [[Philosophy|philosophical]] or rigorous definition of God, nor of how God acts in the world. It does not explicitly describe God's nature, exemplified by God's assertion in [[Exodus]] that "you cannot see my face; for man shall not see me and live". Nowhere in the Hebrew Bible are the words [[omnipotent]], [[omniscient]], or [[omnibenevolent]] used to define God in a systematic sense. Although scripture does not describe God systematically, however, it does provide a poetic depiction of God and His relationship with people. According to the biblical historian [[Yehezkal Kaufmann]], the essential innovation of Biblical theology was to posit a God that cares about people, and that cares about whether people care about Him. Most people believe that the Bible should be viewed as humanity's view of God, but theologian [[Abraham Joshua Heschel]] described the Biblical God as "anthropopathic", which means that one should read the Bible as God's view of humanity, and not as humanity's view of God. Similarly, the [[New Testament]] contains no systematic theology: no attempt is made to give a philosophical or rigorous definition of God, nor of how God acts in the world. The New Testament does, however, provide an implicit theology as it teaches that God became human while remaining fully God, in the person of [[Jesus]], and that he subsequently sent the [[Holy Spirit]]. In this view, God becomes someone that can be seen and touched, and may speak and act in a manner easily perceived by humans, while also remaining transcendent and invisible. This appears to be a radical departure from the concepts of God found in Hebrew Bible. The New Testament's statements regarding the nature of God were eventually developed into the doctrine of the [[Trinity]]. ==Conceptions of God == ===Jewish, Christian and Muslim conceptions===[[Judaism]], [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]] see God as a being who created the world and rules over the universe. God is usually held to have the properties of [[holiness]] (separate from sin and incorruptible), [[Justice|justness]] (fair, right, and true in all His judgements), [[sovereignty]] (unthwartable in His will), [[omnipotence]] (all-powerful), [[omniscience]] (all-knowing), [[omnibenevolence]] (all-loving), and [[omnipresence]] (all-present). Jews, Christians and Muslims often conceive of God as a ''personal'' God, with a will and personality. However, many medieval [[rationalist]] philosophers of these religions felt that one should not view God as personal, and that such personal descriptions of God are only meant as [[metaphor]]s. Some within these three faiths still accept these views as valid, although many of the [[laity]] today do not have a wide awareness of them. In [[Eastern Christianity]], it remains essential that God be personal; hence it speaks of the three ''persons'' of the [[Trinity]]. It also emphasizes that God has a will, and that God the Son has two wills, divine and human, though these are never in conflict. The personhood of God and of all human people is essential to the concept of [[theosis]] or deification. == References ==* [[Karen Armstrong]], <cite>A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam</cite>, Ballantine Books, 1994 * [[Jack Miles]], <cite>God : A Biography</cite>, Knopf, 1995. [http://www.jackmiles.com/default.asp?ID=15]* [[Cliff Pickover]], <cite>The Paradox of God and the Science of Omniscience</cite>, Palgrave/St Martin's Press, 2001. ==See also== *[[Arguments against the existence of God]]*[[Arguments for the existence of God]]*[[Consciousness]]*[[God and gender]]*[[God realm]]*[[Major world religions]]*[[Natural theology]] *[[Higgs boson|The Higgs boson, ''the God particle'']] == External links==*[http://www.idsia.ch/~juergen/computeruniverse.html God as a 'Great Programmer']*[http://www.logon.org/english/S/p220.html The Etymology of the Name of God]*[http://www.freewebs.com/thegodparticle/ ''The God Particle'' by Joel Schlecht]*[http://swami-center.org/en/chpt/heart/page_7.shtml What Is God]*[http://www.AllAboutGOD.com/does-God-exist.htm Does God Exist?]*[http://www.gotquestions.org/Does-God-exist.html Does God exist?]*[http://www.AllAboutGOD.com/who-is-God.htm Who is God?]*[http://sultan.org/articles/god.html God Concept in Islam]*[http://www.spiritual-happiness.com/spirituality.html Spirituality For Dummies]*[http://freethought.freeservers.com/reason/rationalview.html Arguments against God, an atheistic perspective]*[http://www.gotquestions.org/What-is-God-like.html What are the attributes of God?]* [http://www.AllAboutGod.com/God-o.htm God] A Christian Perspective.* [http://www.AllAboutPhilosophy.org/God-n.htm God ] A Christian Perspective. Modified after wikipedias article on God licenced under GNU FDL.
God
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{{quote | text={{Bible verse|Genesis|1|1|lang=WEB}} [[Genesis 1:1]]}}{{Infobox_Contents | topic_name = God | subtopics = [[Character of God]] - [[God is the creator ]], [[God is love]], [[God is holy]], [[God is forgiving]]* [[Trinity]] - [[God the Father]], [[Jesus Christ]], [[Holy Spirit]]* [[Names of God]] | opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}* {{ebd}}* Sermon: [[Luke 15 - What is God like? (Bible versesG.G.)]]}}
God is the central being of all existence. He is eternal in that he has no beginning and no end. In the [[Genesis 1|first chapter of the first book]] of [[Bible]] an account is given of God creating the universe and the earth and creating people in his own image. The Bible also reveals that God is full of [[God is forgiving|mercy]] and [[God is love|love]] (for example [[1 John 4:8]]. Millions of people in the world trust in God as their master and Lord and also their saviour. He is a personal being, who is three in one - [[God the Father (Bible verses)|Father]], [[Jesus Christ|Son]] and [[Holy Spirit]]. The Bible also reveals that God stands ready to come into any person's life when that person acknowledges him and repents of having not lived his way.
===[[Character of God]]===
God is also completely [[holy]] and without any evil. At the same time God is forgiving and merciful and full of love.
==Links==*'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God Wikipedia - God]* [Ontological argument]]s''' argue http://www.theopedia.com/God exists by necessity or definition Theopedia - that God's existence can be determined from consideration of his, her, or its nature alone. ]
