The human mind desires to learn. By nature, our race is incurably curious. We love to explore and discover. Such a thirst for knowledge has led mankind to both a microscopic and telescopic investigation of the universe. Ingenuity has taken him from the depths of ocean floors to the moon’s lunar surface, and beyond.
As man has pondered his discoveries, he has been challenged to consider not only the origin of the cosmos, but his own life as well. “Who” or “What” caused all these things to exist? This basic question ultimately leads to the contemplation of a Master Designer, or Creator – a concept most people call God.
Perhaps as no other society before, or after them, the ancient Greeks were foremost in their attempt to explain the origin of life. It is from their language our western term “theology” derived. The word is made up of two parts: “Theo” meaning God; and “logy” indicating the study of something. Theology then simply refers to “the study of God.”
Though it is a simple term it is not a simple science. Because theology deals with an infinite subject matter, thoughts concerning it tend to run infinitely deep. Unlike other scientific explorations theology deals with the intangible. The Old Testament character, Job, was confronted with these same challenges. During his personal quest to discover God he was asked “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens – what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave – what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.” Job 11:7-9.
The prophet Isaiah also pointed out the futility of thinking we can understand the mystery of God. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the Everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.” Isaiah 40:28.
Yet this Almighty God does not leave Himself wholly unsearchable. In His own time, and manner He reveals Himself to each of His creatures. As Moses taught, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed (by Him) belong to us and to our children forever.” Deuteronomy 29:29.
God reveals Himself in three primary ways. First, and foremost, by speaking personally to human hearts through His Spirit; secondly a revelation of His majestic power and character is made through things found in nature; and lastly ideas given to His prophets have been recorded for us in the Bible.
People who pursue this study of God are called theologians. However most often as professional theologians try to explain their understandings, they tend to use language beyond the average person’s comprehension. As a result, important and beautiful truths about God are lost to succeeding generations.
But how can we know God truly exists? And if He does exist then what is He like? What would be His attitude toward those He created? What are His plans for their futures?
The purpose of The People’s Theologian is to communicate revelations about the Divine in simple, easy to understand language. May truths shared in these blogs help all who read them have a better understanding of the One we call – God.