I grew up in a Roman Catholic household, and my understanding of God was shaped by the teachings of that specific faith. It wasn’t until I got older that I began to look beyond these teachings and explore others. I discovered that the word “God” is often tied to specific religious beliefs and using it can be exclusive to those who don’t necessarily subscribe to those beliefs.
That Which Cannot Be Named
The concept of Source goes beyond gendered or human-like attributes and instead refers to an all-encompassing and limitless Force that is the origin of everything. In this sense, using the word Source for God acknowledges the ineffable nature of this eternal Force.
In many religious texts, God is referred to as an entity that cannot be named or fully understood by humans. This suggests that words alone are not enough to encapsulate the entirety of this divine being. For instance, in the Bible, God reveals himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM”. This signifies the inability of human language to fully describe or define God.
Furthermore, religions often have their own unique names for God, each carrying a different connotation and meaning. For example, in Hinduism, one of the names for God is Brahman. That translates to mean “the ultimate reality” or “the highest self”. This name highlights the belief that God is beyond human comprehension and exists as the ultimate truth.
The Role of Language in Understanding God
Language also plays a crucial role in how we perceive and understand God. In Christianity, God is often referred to as “Father,” which conveys a patriarchal sense of authority, protection and unconditional love. On the other hand, in some indigenous cultures, God is referred to as “Mother Earth,” embodying a nurturing and life-giving energy. The use of different language to describe God shapes our understanding and relationship with this divine entity.
As the theologian Paul Tillich famously said, “Language…has created the word ‘God’ in order to express the unexpressible”. This highlights the idea that language, being a human construct, is limited in its ability to fully capture the essence of God. Thus, while language can help us understand and connect with God, it limits the perception of the Divine. Words can only point to the mystery rather than encapsulate it.
The ambiguity of “Source” is its strength. It does not dictate how one should envision or understand the divine. This openness allows individuals to explore and define their own unique connection with the higher power, free from the constraints of traditional imagery and dogma.
The Universal Nature of Source
Using “Source” allows for multiple beliefs to coexist. The word “Source” shifts my focus back to the essence of the Divine itself. It keeps my focus away from the trappings and traditions of any specific religion.
When I use “Source,” I can recognize these similarities in religions and find common ground with people of different religions. This can lead to greater understanding, compassion, and connection between people from diverse backgrounds. As humanity continues to seek common ground in matters of faith and spirituality, terms like “Source” play a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and harmonious global community.
Ultimately, what matters most is the essence of the divine itself, not the label we give it. No matter what word we choose to describe the Divine, what matters most is our personal connection to that essence, and our ability to recognize it in ourselves and in others, regardless of religious beliefs.
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