The Age-Old Question: Who is God?
The question “Who is God?” has been a subject of investigation since the dawn of humanity. Across ages, tribes, cultures, and religions, people have yearned to see and experience the Almighty and Divine. For centuries, they have sought answers to this profound question. But how can we best comprehend and explain the One who is beyond all explanations? Even before the existence of the physical world, God, the Almighty, existed. So, what was He called before the term “God” was formulated?
The Origin of the Word “God”
Many questions arise when one delves into the nature of God. One such question is: When was the term “God” first used by humanity? The word “God” originates from the Old English word “god,” derived from the Proto-Germanic word “gudiz” and the Proto-Indo-European word “ghut-,” meaning “to invoke” or “to call upon” a power. The English word “God” was first used in the 16th century, replacing the Middle English words “god” or “gud.”
Ancient Civilizations and the Concept of a Supreme Deity
The concept of a single, all-powerful deity emerged in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia (Sumer, Akkad, Babylon) around 4000-1900 BCE with gods like Anu, Enlil, and Marduk. In ancient Egypt (3100-332 BCE), deities such as Ra, Isis, and Osiris were revered. Similarly, ancient Greece (18th century – 146 BCE) had gods like Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, while ancient Israel (18th century – 586 BCE) worshipped Yahweh and Elohim.
Different Cultures, Different Names for God
As societies evolved, so did the names and concepts of God. Different cultures have used various terms to describe their beliefs and their understanding of who God is. For example:
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- The Igbo in Nigeria call Him Chineke (One who creates), Chukwu (The Great One/Almighty), or Olisabuluwa (Savior).
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- The Kikuyu in Kenya call Him Ngai (The Supreme Being/Creator), Mungu (The Almighty/The Great One), Murungu (The One Who Rules/The Sovereign), and Nyasae (The Self-Existent).
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- The Zulu call Him Unkulunkulu (The Great Great One) or Unkosi (The King/The Lord).
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- The Baganda refer to Him as Katonda (The Creator) or Lubanga (One Above).
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- In Hinduism, He is known as Brahman (Absolute Truth), Paramatma (The Supreme Soul), Bhagavan (The Divine), and Ishvara (The Supreme Being).
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- In Japan, He is called Kami or Shin (The Divine Spirit), while the Chinese refer to Him as Shangdi (Highest Deity).
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- Jews refer to Him as Adonai (Lord/Master), Elohim (The Almighty), or Shaddai (All-Powerful).
God According to the Bible
In Christianity, God is described as the divine, immortal, self-existing Spirit (John 4:24) who created everything visible and invisible (Genesis 1 and 2). He is eternal, coming from everlasting (Habakkuk 1:12), and dwells in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16, Romans 1:20).
According to Colossians 1:15, God was made visible through the coming of Jesus Christ, who affirmed in John 14:8-10 that anyone who has seen Him has seen the Father.
Christian doctrine teaches that God is one yet exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. However, this concept of the Trinity has been a significant subject of theological debate, raising questions like: How can one God be three? Is Jesus Christ God? Is Jesus the Son of God? In our blog, we will explore the concept of the Trinity according to different cultures and the Bible.
God is a Mystery
This is the beauty of the divine mystery. The Bible supports this idea with scriptural references like Matthew 11:27, John 6:44, and 1 Corinthians 2:10-12.
Throughout history, people have tried to name God according to how He revealed Himself to them, defining His nature, character, and relationship with humanity. In the Bible, God revealed Himself to various prophets, who then described Him to humanity. For example:
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- In Genesis 1:1, He is called Elohim (Creator) for His creative role.
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- Abraham calls Him Jehovah Jireh in Genesis 22:14, emphasizing God as a providing and caring entity.
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- In Exodus 17:15, Moses attributes God as a guide and protector (Jehovah Nissi).
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- In Judges 6:23-24, when He revealed Himself to Gideon, He said, “Peace be to you,” and Gideon called Him Jehovah Shalom (The Lord is Peace).
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- In Exodus 3:13-14, when Moses asked God’s name, He responded, “I AM THAT I AM.”
These are just a few attributes and definitions used by those who encountered God, attempting to bring Him into their comprehension and that of humanity. However, in some societies, like in Judaism, God’s name is considered so sacred that it was only meant to be invoked and known by the high priest.
Conclusion: The Everlasting Mystery of God
The question of “Who is God?” remains one of the most profound and enduring inquiries of human existence. Across cultures, languages, and millennia, humanity has sought to understand, name, and connect with the Divine. From the ancient deities of Mesopotamia to the sacred names revered in African traditions, from the Hindu concept of Brahman to the Christian understanding of a triune God—each belief system offers a unique perspective on the nature of the Almighty.
Yet, despite our efforts to define and describe God, He remains an eternal mystery, transcending all human understanding. The myriad of names and attributes ascribed to Him reflects how He has revealed Himself to different peoples and cultures throughout history. But at the heart of this exploration lies a shared yearning: the desire to know and experience the One who is beyond all explanations.
In the end, perhaps the true essence of God is not something to be fully comprehended but rather something to be lived, encountered, and embraced in the mystery of faith. As we continue to explore and reflect on the Divine, we are reminded that the journey to understanding God is as infinite as God Himself—an ongoing revelation that calls us to humility, wonder, and awe.
