By Philip Schroeder
Pastor, First Baptist Church of Bulverde

Everyone believes something about God. We all view God in some way. And there are several different major views. Which one fits most closely with yours?

Monotheism (mono- “one”; theos- “God”) There is only one God. He created the universe and sustains it with his power. This God is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-present. No other gods exist.

Polytheism (poly- “many”; theos- “gods”) - There are many gods. Each god has his own power or area of responsibility. Most native religions are polytheistic.

Atheism (a- “no”; theos- “God”) - There is no God. This view defines itself by what it does not believe. Recently, in an attempt at better public relations, some atheists have relabeled themselves “brights.”

Agnosticism (a-“no”; gnosis- “knowledge”) - There is no way to know for sure whether or not there is a God. All knowledge must be verified by the five senses. Since God cannot be seen, heard, felt, smelled or tasted, his existence can neither be verified or denied with certainty.

Pantheism pan-“all”; theos- “God”) - Everything is God and God is everything. Every material thing is a part of God and God wholly consists of the material universe. Many eastern religions and the New Age movement hold this view. The made-up religion of “Star Wars” is a popular expression of this view.

Deism (from Latin for “God”) - There is a God who created the universe and natural laws. Then he set it all in motion, like winding up a clock, and let it go. The God of deism is in retirement and has nothing to do with the universe he created. His only useful act was creation.

Christian theism is the view of the Bible. The God we see in the Bible chose to reveal himself to us in many ways. He did this by creating the world. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse”(Romans 1:20).

He also revealed himself in the Bible itself. He provided a way for us to have relationship with him through Jesus, who is God in the flesh (incarnate). The God of the Bible is one God, in three persons. He created the world, but is separate from it. He is present and active in the world and in our lives. He is good, merciful and loving. He is righteous, holy and just.

If the Bible is true, then our next question should be“What is God’s View of Me?” His opinion is really the one that counts.