Before we look at the
God we do believe in,
let's have a look at the
God we don't believe in.
God we do believe in,
let's have a look at the
God we don't believe in.
Juan Arias wrote a book about this and ends it with a poem explaining his journey to a faith in a loving generous God.
Watch this video and then complete a few lines reflecting and naming a God you don't believe in.
The God I don't believe in ...
The God I don't believe in ...
The God I don't believe in ...
The God I don't believe in ...
Let's explore some more and learn about
the GOD WE DO BELIEVE IN.
The most important thing to remember when we are talking about the image of God is that no matter how convinced we are of what God is like, our ideas are never complete or perfect.
When we create our image of God we build it through traditions passed on to us, we build it through experiences, we build it through our culture, we build it through our surroundings,
nature and the views of the wider society.
It's a bit like a never ending 3D puzzle, when we find the next piece to our picture of God there is always more to add.
When we think we've finished the complete image
there is always another layer.
nature and the views of the wider society.
It's a bit like a never ending 3D puzzle, when we find the next piece to our picture of God there is always more to add.
When we think we've finished the complete image
there is always another layer.
Think about some of the images of God that you have.
Where have they come from? Have they changed?
Do your images of God reflect the God you believe in
and the God that Catholics believe in?
Where have they come from? Have they changed?
Do your images of God reflect the God you believe in
and the God that Catholics believe in?
People are on a journey to discover a healthy image of God.
Photo by Zach Vesselson Unsplash
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In the Old Testament
God was described in terms of relationship like father, mother, lover, helper and friend. |
Photo by Hannah Valentineon Unsplash
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Photo by Willian B.on Unsplash
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God was also communicated in political terms like master, Lord, saviour, king, protector, and judge. |
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People in the Old Testament also tried to understand God through images that related to jobs and activities that were part of their everyday like, a potter, a shepherd, a washerwoman, a healer, a knitter, a builder, a jeweller, a blacksmith or a teacher. |
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Photo by K A D M I E Lon Unsplash
While the people of the New Testament had the added wisdom of the person of Jesus to help grow their view of God.
Jesus used stories and parables of everyday activities and examples. Jesus who is Emmanuel - God with us, also reveals God to us in his actions.
Jesus used stories and parables of everyday activities and examples. Jesus who is Emmanuel - God with us, also reveals God to us in his actions.
Photo by Jonathan Howard Kempon Unsplash
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Like the Old Testament, these images continue to be built around relationship, son of man, father, Emmanuel-God with us, the Word who was with God, a woman making bread |
Photo by Josue Escotoon Unsplash
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Photo by M Azharul Islamon Unsplash
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Political terms like the great high priest and everyday activities and familiar objects; a teacher, a prophet who brings good news, a mother hen, the gate for the sheep, a good shepherd, the true vine, a farmer sowing seed
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Photo by Keith Hardyon Unsplash
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Our place in New Zealand also shapes of vision of God.
Photo by Marek Novotnýon Unsplash
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Joy Cowley a well known New Zealand author in one her her poems describes God as a Bulldozer who's ways are not always gentle, but they transform us.
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In her poem 'God of Washing' Cowley also shares the image of a God who is close to us in our everyday activities. She tells of a God who is present in the picking up of toys and the unmade beds.
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Photo by Brittany Colette on Unsplash
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Colin McCahon a New Zealand artist presents God in our natural landscape like hills and waterfalls.
Photo by Lode Lagraingeon Unsplash
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Photo by Aneta Foubíkováon Unsplash
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Photo by Yoann Laheurteon Unsplash
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When thinking about our image of God we also need to keep in mind that of God is Trinitarian.
God as three persons, te Matua, te Tamaiti and te Wairua Tapu.
God as three persons, te Matua, te Tamaiti and te Wairua Tapu.
God is LOVE is an image that communicates who God is.
Photo by Alex Blockon Unsplash
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Photo by Ekaterina Shakharovaon Unsplash
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GOD IS LOVE
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
Whoever does not love does not know God,
for God is love.
God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.
1 John 4:7-9
