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. f
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 knowing God, breaking down the
construct of the mind as an effort to expand it. Experientially, this is important for
the Christian faith. f 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. f
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.
