1.1.2 The Nature of God

The Trinity

Christians believe in one God who exists in three distinct 'persons': God the Father**,** God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. These three persons form a unity known as the Trinity. The word "Trinity" is derived from 'tri', meaning 'three', and 'unity', meaning 'one'. This concept is fundamental to Christian theology and expresses the complex nature of one God in three persons.

Diagram of the Trinity.

Attributes of God

• Omnipotence refers to God being all-powerful. This is evidenced by the creation of the world as described in Genesis and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. These acts are seen as demonstrations of God's unlimited power.
• Omnibenevolence means that God is all-loving. This is expressed in many ways, notably through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God's own son, for the redemption of humanity. This act is viewed as the ultimate demonstration of God's unconditional love for all human beings without exception.
• Just describes God as fair and forgiving. Christians believe that God treats all individuals with fairness and justice. This is supported by biblical references, such as Psalm 25:8 which states, "God is fair and just". God's justice also involves forgiving those who repent and seek forgiveness for their actions.
• Omniscience signifies that God is all-knowing. Christians hold that God possesses complete knowledge of all things. This includes every person's inner thoughts, as well as knowledge of all past, present, and future events. This attribute reassures believers that God is aware of all circumstances and events.
• Transcendence means that God exists outside of and is not bound by worldly constraints and physical laws. For example, unlike humans, God does not live and die; He is eternal. This concept implies that a complete understanding of God is beyond human intellect, as His existence and nature transcend human experience and comprehension.
  • Immanence reflects the belief that God is actively present in the world. This is demonstrated through historical interactions, such as God sending Jesus to Earth, and contemporary experiences, such as miracles and answered prayers. Many Christians believe that God continues to work in the world today, providing guidance and support to believers.

Immanence

The Problem of Evil

Solutions to the Problem of Evil

1. One solution is the concept of free will. Christians believe that God gave humans free will, which means that although He exists, He does not interfere in the suffering humans experience as a result of their own choices or the consequences of the natural world. This view holds that human freedom is essential and that suffering is a result of human actions, not divine intervention.
2. Another explanation is that experiencing bad things could be a test of faith. For example, in the Holy Bible, Job is tested on many occasions but maintains his faith in God and ultimately receives a reward. This story illustrates the belief that enduring suffering can strengthen faith and lead to divine rewards.
3. Some Christians argue that humans need evil to appreciate good. According to this view, balance is essential, and the existence of evil allows people to recognise and value goodness. This perspective sees evil and suffering as necessary counterparts to goodness and joy.
4. A further belief is that God is beyond human understanding. While humans may not comprehend the reasons for suffering, Christians trust that God is fair and that the good will be rewarded in Heaven. This approach suggests that human limitations prevent a full understanding of God's purposes, but faith assures believers of divine justice.
5. Lastly, some Christians believe that experiencing bad things is part of God's plan, and that humans should respond positively. This perspective encourages believers to trust in God's greater plan and to find meaning and growth through their suffering, even if it is not immediately apparent.

Exam Practice:

"God cannot be loving because people suffer"