It would be fascinating to explore further why we sometimes only have one word for an object or action and then a myriad for others, such as flowing water!
Describing God, as an idea, action or experience, has always got the better of us. Christians invented the word Trinity (which might, in retrospect have been something of an own goal!). Whereas our Muslim friends have decided all descriptions of the Divine are best expressed in words rather than images and our Jewish cousins have a scripture in which even God seems to give up on the task, proclaiming instead I am who I am.
Yet, in our prayers and preaching, we persist in this task that is both helpful and frustrating at the same time. Helpful in that, as we battle with language and push our comprehension of God to the limit, we actually grow and deepen our understanding and appreciation. Frustrating, because even the best prayer and most articulate sermon must surely barely scratch the surface of who God is.
In my Sabbatical journey thus far, as I’ve gone round contrasting churches, it becomes almost instantly obvious as to the corporate understanding of God held by that particular congregation. For some, God is a best friend, for others she is the most compassionate of comforters. For some God is a great strength, for others a profound mystery.
I think I’ve encountered great sincerity, even integrity, in each expression. And I’ve come away sensing that each is valid, even if incomplete by itself.
So, if you thought just three expressions of God found in the concept of Trinity was challenging enough, the bad news is (actually I think it’s good news really!) you can at least times that up by at least ten.
Or, as a children’s song puts it, with greater profundity that might at first be apparent: Our God is a GREAT big God..
You can say that again, again and again…in so many different ways!
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