Exploring Mormon Thought 002-The Attributes of God-Ch 1: The Meaning of God in Mormon Thought (Part 1)
Apr 15, 2017
Blake Ostler, a scholar and theologian known for his work on Mormon thought, dives into the complex nature of God in this engaging discussion. He explores whether 'God' is a title or a name and unpacks the differences between Mormonism and traditional Christian doctrines. The conversation highlights the philosophical intricacies of divine attributes and the relational aspect of addressing God. Ostler emphasizes the importance of clarity in language to enhance interfaith dialogue and deepen our understanding of the divine.
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Defining God Avoids Confusion
- Defining "God" precisely avoids interfaith confusion from using the same word with different meanings.
- Without agreed meanings, we risk equivocation and misunderstanding in religious discourse.
God as a Lived Experience
- Religious experience of God is intimate and lived, defying reduction to abstract philosophy.
- Theology risks missing the reality of God if it treats God as mere concept rather than personal presence.
Humility in Understanding God
- We must grasp some concept of God to truly hold belief, balancing epistemic humility with necessary understanding.
- Knowing God involves reverence and acknowledging our cognitive limits to avoid oversimplification.
