Category Archives: God

How should we understand what God is? Part 6: How our minds work: we talk to ourselves A modern view Let’s suppose for a moment that there is the final triumph of science in explaining the universe. Let’s suppose that humanity becomes no longer willing to take that step of faith which is essential toContinue reading “How should we understand what God is? Part 6”

How should we understand what God is? Part 5: Reasons why our belief in God developed: Just think it through as deeply and honestly as you can. The third strand of support for belief in God is, perhaps, a combination of the first two, and I will put it under the heading of philosophical reasoning.Continue reading “How should we understand what God is? Part 5”

How should we understand what God is? Part 4: Reasons why our belief in God developed: To help us explain things Another key reason for belief in God to develop was as an explanatory mechanism. Early humans became aware that they lived within a system of creation governed by massive forces, compared to which ourContinue reading “How should we understand what God is? Part 4”

How should we understand what God is? Part 3: Reasons why our belief in God developed: We encounter him This idea of God developed for several reasons. Key was the power of religious experience. Human beings feel that they have encountered this mysterious person, whom we call God. Certainly, this must partly be a responseContinue reading “How should we understand what God is? Part 3”

How should we understand what God is? Part 2: We can have a relationship with God Despite God’s holiness, we are able to encounter him. Although he is completely beyond our understanding in terms of fully comprehending him, we are able to meet God, relate to him, and hold within us just an inkling ofContinue reading “How should we understand what God is? Part 2”

A note to readers For many of my posts, I have adopted a format which I particularly like, which is to have a theological or philosophical reflection, which is an extended piece of thinking, published in several parts, and then, alongside each part is a more devotional piece which is in some way prompted by,Continue reading “A note to readers”

How should we understand what God is? God is the voice I create in my head. Overview This long – long – theological reflection – coming in 9 parts – considers who God is from two points of view: the traditional one and a possible new understanding that God is a voice we create inContinue reading “How should we understand what God is? Part 1”

A Song of the Incarnation In darkness, sudden incandescent glory, Confined to a single candle flame That flickers, but does not go out. “Confined” in a single flame? No, “held” – it’s light shines out to all infinity,                      Yet I can hold it in my hands. No, not a flame held in my hands, butContinue reading “A Song of the Incarnation”

Encountering God Part 5 We have to wait. This can be so painful. Some people may be able to say, “Bloody hell! I’ve been waiting all my life and the bastard’s still not turned up”. Let’s say it how it is and be honest with our feelings. God can take it. Can we? What onContinue reading “Encountering God Part 5”

Encountering God Part 4 So, some people are lucky. They say that God, in his grace, always makes the first move, and they have encountered God: he is a reality in their lives, and they love him. What about those others who want to know God and God just isn’t playing his part? If youContinue reading “Encountering God Part 4”