Free Term Paper About Worldview: The Nature Of God

Introduction

In a primer that introduces the book entitled Christianity: The Faith That Makes Sense it was made clear by the author that today’s world is not as simple as it appears to be . In fact, out of the different cultures, traditions and religions, the world is divided based on their ideologies and personal convictions. Nevertheless, the differences amongst these should never be taken as something that is meant to divide the world. Instead, the author of the book Dennis McCallum stated that out of the six thousand existing religion there are five categories from which they can be divided . Each of this categories offers a clear understanding of how the distinctions that each claims to hold apart from the other is more of a conglomeration of thoughts that takes root from the ideals and perceptions of one another. These worldviews are classified as follow: (a) naturalism, (b) pantheism, (c) theism, (d) spiritism and polytheism, and (e) postmodernism . Each of this religion views the nature of God with slight difference but with traces of similarities. This paper will attempt to discuss the nature of God according to the different major religions in the world. The discussion will center on the characteristics, attributes and qualities of God based on the the different religious beliefs--Sikhism, Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Shinto, Judaism, and Christianity.

The Nature of God

For religions such as Judaism, Islam and Christianity, God is defined and contextualized in reference to time and space. These religion believes that God eternally exist but apart from the concept of time and space. Most religion would share this perception of a God that is eternal because divinity sprouts out of the perception of immortality. Therefore, God’s nature works within the realm of the concept of infinity. McCallum in the book entitled Organic Discipleship: Mentoring Others into Spiritual Maturity and Leadership argues that many followers of God, regardless of the title bestowed upon the Supreme Deity believe in the ultimate power of timeless God who knows no boundary and is not limited by time or space.
Another attribute of God that is shared by almost all religion is God’s omnipotence. Omnipotence is defined by the characteristic of being all powerful. The Bible has manifested God’s power in several different accounts as with his power to walk on water (Matthew 14:22-33), divide the sea (Exodus 13:17-14:29; Surah 26: 60-67), and turn water into wine (John 2:1-11). God is a powerful God who does the most remarkable things that are beyond the capacity of a normal human being. In addition, the Qu ‘ran and the Bible both stand in testament of how powerful God is as manifested through the prophets He has chosen to proclaim His glory.
Nevertheless, contrary to most religion, Christianity holds a distinct qualification of God. This is the recognition of God being One in Three Person, most commonly referred to by Catholics as the Holy Trinity. The concept of the Triune God refers to that argument that while there are three different persons or manifestations of God—the Father, Son and Spirit, they are just one under the title of God. This is where contradictions and disunity comes in. Many religion does not believe in Jesus Christ as a God because of the argument that Jesus took a human form and lived amongst our midst. However, the Catholic faith believes that while Jesus did became man, it was done out of a supreme sacrifice to make the people realize of how grand and selfless the love of God is for His people. It is a love that is willing to give up His title and his divinity to save man from sin. This contrary to the belief of Islam, Buddhism and other religion. For them, Jesus was a prophet. In the same manner that the Muslims believe that Mohammed is not a God but a prophet who was chosen to reveal a message and deliver a prophecy and message of salvation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there was never a definite proof that would explain the nature of God, religion will continue to flourish and offer interpretations that is designed to give man hope. Religion may have differing views on many different accounts. However, all religion have one central belief. This is the belief that a supreme force plays an influential role in shaping us to become the people that we are.

References

McCallum, D. (1997). Christianity: The Faith that Makes Sense. Mitchellville, MD: Living Books Publishing.
McCallum, D. (2012, December 14). Five Worldviews. Retrieved from Xenos Christian Fellowship: http://www.xenos.org/classes/papers/5wldview.htm
Smith, G. (1989). Atheism: The Case against God. New York: Prometheus Books.