Human Language About God

Language is our way of communicating with each other and with all other creatures that we believe have the ability to understand what we are trying to convey. Without language, it would be difficult to live in this world in that we could not express or say what we want or need.  Yes, some will say that we can use sign language or physical motions.  While that is true, the efficacy of our communications would be very limited.

For those of us who believe in God, we have nothing other than our language to communicate and express what we think about God.  Through language we express whether God-talk or engaging with God are even important.  Through language, we express what our ideas and thoughts about God are.

The Bible uses a lot of anthropomorphic language.  This means that the biblical language about God attributes human-like qualities to God.  In other words, the language that we hear in the Bible concerning God give the impression that God is like us.

We're told that in the beginning God said "Let us make humankind in our own image and in our own likeness."  If we were to take that passage literally, we would have to conclude, then, that humankind has similarities with God and vice-versa.  We also hear of God "repenting" of having made humankind. We read about the "wrath of God."  We are informed about God "sitting on a throne, surrounded by angels."  We also read about God asking humans questions, such as "Adam, where are you?"  The Psalm writers speak about God in terms of majesty and power. The Scriptures speak about Jesus sitting "at the right hand" of God.  For those who believe in the divine nature of Jesus, we hear of God referred to as "Father and Son."

Can we avoid human language about God?  I would say that it is impossible. We have finite and very limited human minds. Subsequently, our ability to communicate is also very limited, and therefore we are left with no choice but to communicate in the language or languages with which we are most familiar.  Our mentality generates images of God.  Instead of God creating humankind in God's image and likeness, humankind creates God in its image and likeness.

While we cannot avoid human language about God, we can live with the realization that our language does not even begin to "scratch the surface."  God is much greater than anything that we can express about God.  Our mental constructs of God reflect our assumptions, biases, prejudices about God. We speak about God as if God were a reflection of ourselves with our tendency to anger and temper tantrums.   When we pout, shout, and act in an infantile manner, we sometimes project those actions and attitudes towards God, as if God had nothing better to do. 

A closing question of reflection for you and for all of us would be, "Are we made in the image and likeness of God, or is God make in our image and likeness?"  Please share with us and tell us what your thoughts are on this.

In the Name of the Creator, and of the Redeemer, and of the Sustainer. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Juan A. Ayala-Carmona