Exploring the Definition of God in Theological Inquiry

When exploring the concept of God, it is essential to establish a clear definition before delving into theories and arguments. Theological inquiries often begin with a definition that sets the stage for any further discussion. This article delves into the nature of a theological definition of God and whether such a concept has any meaningful theory behind it.

Understanding the Definition of God

The question of what God is can often be simplified through definition. A verbal definition is when one explains what something is in words, while a demonstrative definition points to an object and says “That is what God is.”

Verbal Definition

A verbal definition is the most common approach when defining God. For example, one could say, “God is the supernatural nonphysical agent that created the world to a plan.” This definition aligns with the common image of God in the minds of many people. However, the challenge is whether this definition makes sense in the context of causation and the natural world.

Demonstrative Definition

A demonstrative definition involves pointing to an object and identifying it as God. For example, in a moment of contemplation, someone might say, “Behold God in all his glory!” This could point to the night sky, but it raises questions about the exact meaning. If the person does not mean the night sky precisely, then they must provide a verbal definition. This is because a demonstrative definition without further explanation does not solidify a clear understanding.

Examining the Definition's Validity

The next step is to ask whether the definition provided makes sense. If one claims that God is the supernatural nonphysical agent that caused the world to exist, this definition raises questions about causation. Causation presupposes a natural physical context, which does not easily mix with the concept of a supernatural nonphysical entity. Thus, if God is defined as such, the phrase “God exists” can come down to gibberish, making the entire discussion nonsensical.

From Definition to Theory

The process of inquiring about the existence of God only comes into play after a clear and meaningful definition is established. Until this point, the discussion remains at the level of definition and terminology. Once the definition is agreed upon, then the question of whether such an entity exists, or if there are phenomena, circumstances, or so on that align with the definition, can be explored.

Conclusion

It is important to approach the concept of God through a clear and meaningful definition. The process should not jump ahead to theorizing until a solid definition is in place. By following this step-by-step approach, the discussion can be more productive and meaningful, ultimately leading to a clearer understanding of the concept of God.