Brief Answer: God is defined as the greatest conceivable possible being, meaning no
being greater than God can exist.
Detailed Answer: This definition is rooted in the philosophy of Anselm, who argued that
if there were a being greater than God, that being would be God by definition.
While this definition is foundational, it raises two important questions: (a) What can we
reliably know about God? and (b) How does this understanding impact us?
(a) What Can We Know Reliably About God?
To understand God, we rely on credible sources of information. The study of theology
involves examining claims made about God, assessing their reliability by the evidence,
and identifying reach best supported contradictionsconclusions. Only one claim can
ultimately be true if there are conflicting assertions.
In addition to theology, insights from science, philosophy, and history, and other fields of
study can inform our understanding. Based on logical arguments and scientific
discoveries, we can conclude that God is:
Supernatural
Immaterial
Beginningless
Uncaused
Timeless
Eternal
Personal
Purposeful
Enormously powerful
The source of absolute moral value
Able to act beyond the laws of nature
It's worth noting that "all-powerful" doesn't imply the ability to perform logical absurdities
or act against God's nature, but rather the ability to do all that power can accomplish.
(b) How Does This Impact Me?
Understanding the nature of God is crucial because it influences our responses to life’s
fundamental questions: “Does God exist?” “What is my purpose?” and “What happens
after life?” These decisions can have profound implications for our lives and beyond.
Choosing whether to align your life with the character of Allah, the biblical God, or even
a human perspective depends on which understanding aligns with the greatest being
defined above and is supported by reality.