Unveiling Divinity: A Journey into the Nature of God

The authority of the author, whether he be of great or little learning, ought not to influence you, but let the love of pure truth draw you to read them.

-Thomas à Kempis-

What is God?

The short answer is I don’t know, no one knows and anyone who tells you they do are either speaking from their own limited (albeit very valuable) personal experience or they're trying to sell you something.

That’s the short answer.

But if you want to hear a perspective (although not entirely original) that’s possibly different from others you may read on Beyonce’s internet, stick around.

I’ve always felt that if we stripped our idea of God down to its basic element (the idea not the entity – whatever that may be), and take away all the distractions of religion and faith, we would all agree that God is The First Cause.

Regardless of what name we call it, whether we believe it is a conscious entity who is aware of us or a phenomenon that is a natural extension of the laws of physics, the cause of everything in existence is God.

Before I continue I would like to acknowledge the following.

As someone who was raised and follows a monotheistic, Abrahamic faith - although not so closely these days - I recognize that my perspective on matters of faith and religion may be influenced by my upbringing.

It's important for me to acknowledge that my understanding and beliefs might be shaped by my specific background, and that I may not have extensive knowledge or firsthand experience of other faiths or belief systems.

In discussing perspectives related to faith, I want to emphasize that I approach the topic with utmost respect and understanding for the diversity of beliefs that exist. I understand that individuals from different faiths or non-religious backgrounds may have their own valid perspectives and interpretations of spirituality.

While I may not be well-versed in other religious traditions, I strive to engage in conversations about religion and faith with an open mind, eager to learn and understand different viewpoints. I recognize the importance of listening to and considering alternative perspectives, even if they challenge or differ from my own.

With that said, let’s continue.

The God of Our Understanding

The phrase “the God of our understanding” is used to express the idea that each person has their own unique understanding or concept of a higher power or divine being.

It’s used to emphasize that there is no one or singular understanding of The First Cause that everyone must follow. It’s an idea that is often used in recovery groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.

AA’s founder William “Bill W” Wilson uses the term “the God of our understanding” interchangeably with other terms like “higher power” and “power greater than ourselves”.

I’ve always found that these and other similar descriptions were great ways of recognising the diversity in backgrounds, cultures and belief systems that allow a person to develop a personal relationship with The First Cause.

Realistically, however, The God of our understanding is not God at all. Why? Well, as you would expect the reason is complicated.

1. Transcendence and Incomprehensibility: Many religious and philosophical traditions describe The First Cause as transcendent, meaning that The First Cause exists beyond the limits of human understanding and experience. The First Cause is often believed to be beyond the constraints of space, time, and the physical universe. As finite beings, our cognitive abilities are limited, and we may lack the capacity to grasp the fullness of a transcendent being like The First Cause.
2. Infinite Nature: The First Cause is often considered infinite in terms of knowledge, power, and wisdom. Our human minds are finite and limited in their capacity to comprehend the infinite. It is difficult for us to fathom concepts that go beyond our finite understanding, which makes it challenging to fully grasp the nature of The First Cause.
3. Religious and Cultural Diversity: The concept of The First Cause varies significantly across different religions, cultures, and belief systems. There are numerous interpretations and understandings of The First Cause, each with its own unique characteristics and attributes. This diversity adds to the complexity of comprehending The First Cause, as different perspectives may emphasize different aspects or have contrasting views.
4. Subjectivity and Faith: Belief in The First Cause often involves a subjective and personal experience that goes beyond rational comprehension. Faith, which plays a significant role in religious contexts, relies on trust, intuition, and personal conviction rather than empirical evidence or logical proof. This subjective element can make it challenging to arrive at a universally objective understanding of The First Cause.
5. Mystery and Unknowability: For many religious and philosophical traditions, the nature of The First Cause is considered a profound mystery that transcends human understanding. The idea that The First Cause is ultimately unknowable suggests that our human faculties may never be capable of fully comprehending the divine.

To be honest that’s just a superficial explanation as to why what we believe The First Cause to be may not be what God is at all. Obviously, this list doesn’t encompass all religious or philosophical viewpoints. Personally, though, a Neoplatonic perspective on The First Cause is the one I find makes the most sense to me.

God from a Neoplatonism Point of View

Now what I’m about to explain -hopefully not in a way that doesn’t make me sound like a complete dummy, is how I’ve come to believe what God is.

Neoplatonism is a philosophical system that originated in the third century CE and was heavily influenced by the teachings of Plato. It seeks to explain the nature of reality, the universe, and the relationship between the physical and metaphysical realms. From a Neoplatonic perspective, the universe is seen as a hierarchical structure composed of different levels of being and existence.

At the core of Neoplatonism is the concept of the One, also referred to as the Good or the Divine. The One is the ultimate source of all reality and existence, transcending any form of differentiation or multiplicity. It is pure, undifferentiated unity and is considered to be beyond human comprehension.

From the One, a procession or emanation of lesser beings occurs, representing a gradual decrease in perfection and an increase in multiplicity. These beings are often described as hypostases or divine principles.

The first emanation from the One is the Nous or Divine Mind, which contains the perfect forms or ideas that shape the physical world. The Nous is associated with intellect and is the source of rationality and understanding.

The next emanation is the World Soul, which represents the animating principle of the physical universe. It connects the intelligible realm of the Nous with the sensible realm of matter. The World Soul serves as a bridge between the eternal and unchanging forms of the Nous and the changing and perishable physical realm.

Finally, the lowest level of existence is the realm of matter or the physical world. Matter is considered to be the least perfect and least real aspect of reality. It lacks true being and is characterized by constant change and flux. The physical world is seen as a reflection or image of the intelligible realm and is subject to the influences and principles of the higher levels of existence.

Neoplatonism emphasizes the idea of the soul's journey back to its divine origin. Through philosophical contemplation, purification of the soul, and union with the higher levels of being, individuals can strive to attain a state of unity with the One. This process of ascent involves detaching oneself from the material world and focusing on the cultivation of virtues and the pursuit of knowledge

The God of My Understanding

For most of my life, as a result of my upbringing in an Abrahamic religion, the understanding my faith brought me to diverge drastically from this.

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—tend to have a different understanding of the nature of reality and the relationship between God, humans, and the physical world.

According to the Abrahamic perspective, God is seen as the creator of the universe, distinct from and separate from His creation. He is considered to be a transcendent and personal God who exists outside of the physical realm. The emphasis is on God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate authority and judge of all creation.

In this view, the physical world is not seen as an emanation or reflection of a higher spiritual reality. Instead, it is seen as a distinct creation of God, with its own inherent value and purpose. While the physical world is considered to be good and was created by God, it is also seen as separate and distinct from the divine realm.

Human beings, according to the Abrahamic religions, are seen as special creations of God, made in His image. They are believed to possess a unique dignity and moral responsibility. Unlike in Neoplatonism, where the goal is to transcend the physical and reunite with the divine, the Abrahamic religions emphasize the importance of engaging with the world and fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities within it. The focus is on living a virtuous and righteous life according to God's commandments and teachings.

Salvation or spiritual fulfillment in the Abrahamic religions is often understood as a personal and relational union with God. It involves faith, repentance, and submission to God's will. While there may be contemplative and mystical traditions within these religions, the emphasis is generally on a personal relationship with God and adherence to religious doctrines and practices.

The God of My Understanding Today

Today this is not what I believe. In Neoplatonism, the ultimate reality is a transcendent One or the Good, which is the source of all being and the underlying principle of the universe.

This divine principle is not separate from creation but is immanent within it. The physical world, according to Neoplatonism, is an emanation or reflection of this higher reality, and all things participate in the divine essence to varying degrees.

Unlike the Abrahamic religions, Neoplatonism does not posit a personal and transcendent God who stands apart from creation. Instead, it emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of all things, including God, humans, and the physical world. The goal of Neoplatonic philosophy is to ascend towards a mystical union with the One, through contemplation and philosophical inquiry.

In Neoplatonism, human beings are seen as having a divine spark within them, a soul that has descended from the higher realms. The purpose of life is to realize this divine essence and seek union with the One through philosophical contemplation, virtue, and purification of the soul. The physical world, in this view, is not seen as a separate creation but rather as a manifestation of the divine.

Salvation or spiritual fulfillment in Neoplatonism is the process of returning to one's true nature and achieving union with the divine. This is accomplished through a transformative journey of self-realization and philosophical understanding, rather than through adherence to specific religious doctrines or rituals.

In Conculsion

From a personal standpoint, I find the Neoplatonic point of view to be a valuable and intriguing perspective on the nature of reality and our place within it. Neoplatonism offers a philosophical framework that encourages us to explore the depths of existence and seek a deeper understanding of our relationship with the divine and the world around us.

One of the significant strengths of Neoplatonism is its emphasis on unity and interconnectedness. It recognizes that everything in the universe is interconnected and participates in a higher reality. This perspective invites us to move beyond the surface-level divisions and separations that often dominate our thinking and recognize the inherent oneness that underlies all things. This recognition can foster a sense of compassion, empathy, and interconnectedness with others and the natural world, leading to a more harmonious and holistic worldview.

Neoplatonism also encourages philosophical contemplation and inquiry as a means to transcendence and self-realization. It recognizes that our intellectual and spiritual faculties have the capacity to apprehend deeper truths and insights about the nature of reality. This aspect of Neoplatonism resonates with individuals who have an inclination towards intellectual exploration and a desire to uncover profound philosophical truths.

Furthermore, the Neoplatonic perspective provides an alternative to traditional religious dogmas and doctrines. It offers a philosophical framework that allows individuals to engage with spirituality and metaphysics on their own terms, free from rigid religious structures. This freedom opens up avenues for personal exploration and interpretation, allowing individuals to develop their unique understanding of the divine and their place in the world.

Neoplatonism's focus on the spiritual transformation and the purification of the soul is also a valuable aspect. It emphasizes the importance of personal growth, self-reflection, and moral development. By recognizing the inherent divinity within ourselves, Neoplatonism encourages us to cultivate virtues and strive towards higher states of being. This emphasis on personal transformation can be empowering and provide a framework for individuals to navigate their spiritual journeys.

Overall, the Neoplatonic point of view offers a compelling alternative to traditional religious frameworks, focusing on unity, interconnectedness, intellectual exploration, and personal transformation. It provides a philosophical lens through which we can contemplate the nature of reality and our place within it, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us.

It's important to note that Plato's philosophy provides a philosophical framework rather than a comprehensive religious doctrine. While it offers insights into the nature of God and our relationship to the divine, it may not encompass the full richness and complexity of religious conceptions of God found in various traditions.

Understanding God is a multifaceted and deeply personal endeavor that extends beyond any single philosophical system. Different religious and philosophical traditions offer diverse perspectives on God, and individuals may approach the subject through their own experiences, beliefs, and cultural contexts.