As I consider the intent of my aim regarding the study of the Doctrine of God, and the
questions I hope to answer, there exists a very present gap between what I know and what I
know not of. This, in turn, limits my flexibility in expressing the questions I inevitably will
grow into, however, to document this point in my learning, it is helpful to name a few. I want
to understand the Doctrine of God, as it relates to its practical nature. I am captivated by
Froese and Bader’s America’s Four Gods, because they classify the way humanity views
God, and the implications that view has all their entire worldview. Is there a way to view God
that is consistently tethered to scripture? How does one transition their view of God to a
different view? Can they? How much can we know of God apart from Revelation?
Assumedly nothing, considering “He is a personal being,”[1]*though what other means of
Revelation occur apart from his word? In relation to that question then, is there a way to
metaphorical place ourselves under the faucet where the purest water comes out, or the purest
knowledge of who God is, exists on full display? These are the questions that currently burn.
In one of my favorite books, Knowing God, J.I. Packer states, “no subject of contemplation
will tend more to humble the mind, than the thoughts of God… but while the subject humbles
the mind, it also expands it.”[2]*This is both the expression of experiencing God, and also
representative of my personal goal in that experience.To gain knowledge of God and the
vastness of that knowledge, is both a humbling agent and an expanding agent, it is the
paradox of*knowingGod, breaking down the construct of the mind as an effort to expand
it.*Experientially, this is important for the Christian faith.I would love to build into a
sermon series the true effects of knowing God, and how that shapes our orthopraxy.*I would
argue that much of western Christianity fumbles the value of the Doctrine of God for
practical ministry because many view “godliness” alone as a means of gain (1 Timothy 6:5),
giving the appearance of Godliness but neglecting its power (2 Timothy 3:5). The power
comes through knowing God as He truly is, not our perception or presuppositions of
him.There is always more to know, this is the beauty of asking questions.[3]
*
[1]*Gerald Bray,*The Doctrine of God, (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1993), 15.
[2]*J.I. Packer,*Knowing God, (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1978), 18.
[3]*John Lennox,*Can you be a Christian and Constantly ask Questions?,*(C.S. Lewis
Institute), Course Video.
