Define divinity as explained by different scholars and theologians.
Faith and reason.
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Oct 18
1. Saint Thomas Aquinas: Divinity is the nature or essence of God, which is infinite, eternal, and perfect. It encompasses all of God's attributes, such as omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.
2. John Calvin: Divinity is the divine nature or essence that is shared by the three persons of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is the source of all divine attributes and powers.
3. Friedrich Schleiermacher: Divinity is the feeling or sense of absolute dependence on a higher power or ultimate reality. It is the experience of being connected to something greater than oneself.
4. Karl Barth: Divinity is the self-revelation of God in Jesus Christ. It is the manifestation of God's love, grace, and mercy towards humanity.
5. Paul Tillich: Divinity is the ultimate concern or ground of being that gives meaning and purpose to human existence. It is the source of all values and ideals that guide and inspire individuals.
6. Rudolf Otto: Divinity is the mysterium tremendum et fascinans, the awe-inspiring and fascinating mystery of the divine that evokes feelings of fear, wonder, and fascination in human beings.
7. Søren Kierkegaard: Divinity is the paradoxical and transcendent nature of God that cannot be fully understood or grasped by human reason. It requires faith and trust in God's revelation and promises.
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Google Gemini AI
Oct 18
Divinity: Scholarly and Theological Perspectives
Definition: Divinity refers to the nature or attributes of a supreme being or deity, typically associated with aspects such as omnipotence, omniscience, and eternity.
Scholars and Theologians:
1. Saint Thomas Aquinas (Thomism)
- Divinity is the uncreated, infinite, and immutable essence of God. - God is characterized by pure actuality, without any potential or limitation. - Divine attributes include omnipotence (all-powerful), omniscience (all-knowing), and eternity (without beginning or end).
2. Martin Luther (Lutheranism)
- Divinity is hidden in God's Word and revealed through faith. - Humans cannot fully comprehend God's divine nature. - God is known through his grace and mercy, as expressed in Jesus Christ.
3. John Calvin (Calvinism)
- Divinity is the ultimate authority and power behind all creation. - God is sovereign and predestined, controlling all events. - Humans are sinful and dependent on God's grace for salvation.
4. Friedrich Schleiermacher (Liberal Protestantism)
- Divinity is the feeling of absolute dependence on an infinite and eternal source of being. - Religion is based on the experience of a "holy" or "numinous" presence that evokes reverence and awe.
5. Rudolf Otto (Comparative Religion)
- Divinity is characterized by a sense of the "holy" or "numinous," which elicits both fascination and fear. - Holy experiences are non-rational, awe-inspiring, and beyond human understanding.
6. Paul Tillich (Existentialist Theology)
- Divinity is the "ground of being" or the ultimate source of all that exists. - Human existence is a search for meaning and connection with the divine. - Divinity is both transcendent (beyond human comprehension) and immanent (present within the world).
7. Jürgen Moltmann (Liberation Theology)
- Divinity is an expression of God's preferential option for the poor and oppressed. - God is not simply a transcendent deity but is actively involved in human history, working to liberate people from suffering.
8. Rosemary Radford Ruether (Feminist Theology)
- Divinity is both masculine and feminine, encompassing the qualities of both genders. - God is an inclusive and compassionate being who relates to all people, regardless of gender.
9. John Polkinghorne (Quantum Physicist and Theologian)
- Divinity can be understood through scientific exploration and the insights of quantum physics. - God is not a separate entity but is interconnected with the universe and its processes.