Deep Dive into θεός

The concepts of God ($\theta\epsilon\acute{o}\varsigma$) in Greek, Jewish, and early Christian traditions present fundamental contrasts regarding monotheism, God's relationship to the world, and divine characteristics.

The Greek concept is essentially polytheistic, viewing Godhead as an ordered totality of gods or a "world of gods". Greek deities, while eternal, came into being like men and did not create the world out of nothing, serving instead as the attainment of order or the Architect of the world. Philosophical development often rendered the divine impersonal ($\text{t}\text{o}$ $\theta\epsilon\text{\textgreek{i}}\text{o\nu}$), and the term $\theta\epsilon\acute{o}\varsigma$ could even be applied to extraordinary humans or rulers.

In contrast, the Jewish tradition is defined by strict, prophetic monotheism, insisting that the Lord is one. Yahweh is the unique, personal, living God whose essence is concentrated in an omnipotent will, serving as the absolute Creator and Ruler. Later Judaism stressed absolute transcendence, meticulously avoiding the divine name (Yahweh) through substitutes like "Heaven" or "The Place," and seeking to prevent anthropomorphism. Intermediaries, such as angels, are strictly subordinate instruments of God's will.

Early Christianity confirms this monotheistic foundation, asserting there is "no god but one". This monotheism is strengthened by Christ's work, which establishes God's sole dominion by conquering rival demonic powers (like the Devil, "the god of this age"). God is defined personally, primarily as "Father" ($\Pi\alpha\tau\acute{\eta}\rho$), and His essence is equated with "love". While Christ is exalted as God's supreme Representative and even referred to as $\theta\epsilon\acute{o}\varsigma$ (John 20:28; Titus 2:13), monotheism is maintained by acknowledging the Father as the ultimate source, ensuring that Christ does not equate to the Father. Paul's twofold formula encapsulates this: one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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