The concept of God is central to many religions and belief systems worldwide. It shapes individuals' understanding of the universe, their place in it, and their moral and ethical values. In exploring the concept of God, one is faced with a myriad of beliefs, each shaped by cultural, historical, and personal factors. At the core of these beliefs lies the fundamental question: What is the basic concept of God?

Identifying the Basic Concept of God:

The basic concept of God varies widely across religions. For monotheistic faiths like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, God is seen as the ultimate creator and ruler of the universe. In contrast, polytheistic religions like Hinduism believe in multiple gods, each responsible for different aspects of life. Additionally, some belief systems, such as pantheism, view God as synonymous with the universe itself.

Though people tend to assume that the monotheistic faiths mentioned above worship the same God, there are some differences in the identities of these Gods. Let's see a very simple comparison.

Christianity:

Basic Concept: In Christianity, God is seen as the supreme being who created the universe and governs it with love and justice. God is also believed to have revealed Himself through Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God.
Similarities: Christianity shares with other monotheistic religions the belief in one God who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving. There is also a focus on the moral and ethical teachings attributed to God.
Differences: The concept of the Trinity, which includes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons in one God, sets Christianity apart from other monotheistic religions. Additionally, the belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity is unique to Christianity.

Islam:

Basic Concept: In Islam, God, known as Allah, is viewed as the creator and sustainer of the universe. Muslims believe in the absolute oneness of God and reject the concept of the Trinity.
Similarities: Islam shares with Christianity the belief in one God who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-merciful. Both religions emphasize the importance of following God's commandments and living a righteous life.
Differences: Islam rejects the divinity of Jesus and the concept of the Trinity, which are central to Christian beliefs. Additionally, Islam emphasizes the importance of submission to God's will, which is reflected in the term "Islam" itself, meaning submission.

Judaism:

Basic Concept: Judaism views God as the creator of the universe and the source of moral law. Jews believe in the covenant between God and the Jewish people, as revealed in the Torah.
Similarities: Like Christianity and Islam, Judaism is monotheistic, believing in one God who is all-powerful and all-knowing. There is also a focus on ethical monotheism, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior.
Differences: Judaism does not accept Jesus as the Messiah or the Son of God, which sets it apart from Christianity. Additionally, Judaism has a different understanding of the nature of God's covenant with humanity compared to Islam and Christianity.
While Christianity, Islam, and Judaism share similarities in their basic concept of God as a supreme being who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving, there are differences in their understanding of the nature of God, the role of Jesus, and the concept of divine revelation. These differences have contributed to the distinct identities of these religions.

The truth of the matter is that though these three seem to share a common history, because each traced its root through Abraham to Adam, there is a difference in their belief and the characteristics of their Gods which will make one assume that these do not talk of nor worship the same entity as God. Let's compare these.

Yahweh in Hebrew Tradition:
Origin: The name Yahweh, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles, is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it is understood to be derived from the Hebrew verb "to be," indicating God's eternal and unchanging nature.
Similarity to Allah: Both Yahweh and Allah are monotheistic conceptions of God, emphasizing His oneness and uniqueness. They are seen as the creator and sustainer of the universe, and both are characterized by attributes such as mercy, justice, and omnipotence.
Allah in Islamic Tradition:
Origin: The name Allah is the Arabic word for God and is used by Muslims to refer to the one true God. It is believed to be derived from the Arabic root word "ilah," meaning deity or god.
Similarity to Yahweh: Like Yahweh, Allah is understood to be the creator and sustainer of the universe in Islam. Muslims also believe in the oneness and uniqueness of Allah, rejecting any notion of partners or associates with Him.

Their Place in Christianity:

Yahweh in Christianity: In Christianity, Yahweh is understood as the God of the Old Testament, who is seen as the same God worshiped by Christians. However, the Christian understanding of God is further developed through the revelation of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.

Allah in Christianity: While Christians do not use the name Allah to refer to God, they recognize the similarities between the God of the Old Testament called Yahweh and the God of Islam. Both religions worship the same God, even though their understandings and interpretations may differ.

Identity of God

We have two basic identities of the person of God. On one side is Yahweh of the Jews, who is also the God of the Old Testament Bible and the God of Islam. On the other side is the God and father of Jesus, who is the father of the God of the New Testament Christians. Let's take a look at the basic differences between these two entities.

The basic difference between the Father of Jesus and the God of the Old Testament lies in their perceived characteristics and the way they are portrayed in Scripture. Here are some key differences, along with scriptural references:

Nature and Character:
God of the Old Testament: Often portrayed as a God of justice, judgment, and holiness. He punishes sin and disobedience, and His wrath is emphasized in several passages (Exodus 34:6-7, Nahum 1:2-3).
Father of Jesus: Portrayed as a God of love, mercy, and compassion. Jesus emphasized the Father's love for humanity and His desire for a relationship with His children (John 3:16, Matthew 5:43-48).

Relationship with Humanity:
God of the Old Testament: Emphasizes obedience to His commandments and laws as the basis for the relationship with humanity (Exodus 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
Father of Jesus: Emphasizes love and grace as the basis for the relationship with humanity. Jesus taught that the Father desires a personal, loving relationship with His children (John 14:23, Romans 5:.

Revelation and Understanding:
God of the Old Testament: Revealed primarily through the law and the prophets, with an emphasis on His holiness and justice.
Father of Jesus: Revealed through Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate revelation of God's character (John 1:18, Hebrews 1:1-3).

Salvation and Redemption:
God of the Old Testament: Salvation is often portrayed in terms of deliverance from physical enemies and restoration to the land of Israel (Isaiah 45:21, Jeremiah 30:10-11).
Father of Jesus: Salvation is portrayed in terms of forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:19-20).

While both the Father of Jesus and the God of the Old Testament are understood as the same God, there is a perceived difference in emphasis and portrayal. The Father of Jesus is seen as emphasizing love, mercy, and grace, while the God of the Old Testament is often portrayed as emphasizing justice, judgment, and obedience. These differences are reflective of the progressive revelation of God's character throughout Scripture, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.

The Confusion Within Christianity: A Critical Examination

Christianity, as a major world religion, has often been criticized for its perceived confusion and contradictions. Several factors contribute to this perception, including the way Christians understand and worship God, the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, and the diversity of beliefs within the religion.

Syncretism in Christian Worship:
Christianity claims to be a monotheistic religion, worshiping one God. However, critics argue that the Christian concept of God is syncretic, drawing characteristics from various religious traditions.
For example, the Christian God is often described as loving and merciful (similar to concepts in other religions), yet also just and wrathful (as seen in the Old Testament).

Changing Character of God:
Critics also point to the perceived ability of Christians to change the character of their God based on their own desires or wishes.
This is seen in how different Christian denominations interpret and emphasize different aspects of God's character, leading to varying beliefs about topics such as salvation, morality, and the afterlife.

Confusion between Old and New Testament Gods:
Another source of confusion within Christianity is the perceived conflation of the characters of the God of the Old Testament with the God of the New Testament.
Critics argue that Christians struggle to find a name for their God, leading them to adopt names from other religions (e.g., Yahweh from Judaism), which can lead to a misunderstanding of the distinct characteristics of these deities.

Lack of Cohesion:
Unlike some other religions that have a more centralized authority or set of beliefs, Christianity is characterized by a wide range of beliefs and practices.
This lack of cohesion can lead to confusion among both adherents and outsiders, as different Christian groups may have vastly different interpretations of key theological concepts.

Human Creation of God:
Finally, critics argue that Christianity, like many religions, is a product of human invention rather than divine revelation.
They point to the historical development of Christian theology and the adoption of pagan rituals and beliefs as evidence that Christianity is a human construct rather than a divine truth.

Conclusion
While Christianity has been a source of comfort and guidance for billions of people worldwide, it is not without its complexities and contradictions. The perceived confusion within Christianity highlights the challenges of interpreting and understanding a religion that has evolved over millennia and continues to adapt to changing cultural and societal norms.

Realistically? There’s only two kinds of Christian, It doesn’t matter what kind (denomination) of Christian you are; there are still only two types: one is the member of a Christian religion who worships a polytheistic God or God of the old testament, and the other is someone who is actively living like Jesus and worships the God and father of Jesus.

We are not talking salvation here, because we cannot say if salvation can be affected by these, but we do know that Jesus said he that will come to the father must come through him, and anyone not following the God of Jesus apparently did not go through Jesus because you cannot follow Jesus and arrive at Yahweh or Allah. Not the name literally, but the characteristics.

A person is identified by his characteristics, so when you worship or pray to a God who destroys lives or takes revenge and brings misfortune to others because they are not in your good book, you need to ask yourself, what God am I worshipping? We are not talking of making or not making heaven, that is for God alone to decide, but really which God are you worshipping? This is a very long article, I had to shorten it for the sake of the audience, I hope to come up with a book someday on this subject. I will love reactions to this post.

idhigbe:
∆ The concept of God is central to many religions and belief systems worldwide. It shapes individuals' understanding of the universe, their place in it, and their moral and ethical values. In exploring the concept of God, one is faced with a myriad of beliefs, each shaped by cultural, historical, and personal factors. At the core of these beliefs lies the fundamental question: What is the basic concept of God?

Identifying the Basic Concept of God:

The basic concept of God varies widely across religions. For monotheistic faiths like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, God is seen as the ultimate creator and ruler of the universe. In contrast, polytheistic religions like Hinduism believe in multiple gods, each responsible for different aspects of life. Additionally, some belief systems, such as pantheism, view God as synonymous with the universe itself.

Though people tend to assume that the monotheistic faiths mentioned above worship the same God, there are some differences in the identities of these Gods. Let's see a very simple comparison.

Christianity:

Basic Concept: In Christianity, God is seen as the supreme being who created the universe and governs it with love and justice. God is also believed to have revealed Himself through Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God.
Similarities: Christianity shares with other monotheistic religions the belief in one God who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving. There is also a focus on the moral and ethical teachings attributed to God.
Differences: The concept of the Trinity, which includes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons in one God, sets Christianity apart from other monotheistic religions. Additionally, the belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity is unique to Christianity

Sadly, the confusion you experience is born, not of Scripture, but entirely of Religion. Yes, religion is the very source of these confusing ideas which you blindly blame on Scripture.

The religion of Christianity alone boasts over 47,000 denominations each of which hold a different interpretation of the contents of the same book. The contents of the books haven't changed in almost 2000 years yet Christianity has seen fit to produce over 47,000 different interpretations all laden with logical fallacies that fall short when put beside the actual content of each book of Scripture.

Chairman
No confusion in Christianity

richeeyo:
Chairman
No confusion in Christianity

A religion that boasts well over 47,000 different denominations each with a different story---- also interpretation ---about the contents of a book that has not changed in over 2000 years is a religion of confusion. Of course, all religion ms out there have similar problems but Christianity takes the award in this category.

Kobojunkie:
Sadly, the confusion you experience is born, not of Scripture, but entirely of Religion. Yes, religion is the very source of these confusing ideas which you blindly blame on Scripture.

The religion of Christianity alone boasts over 47,000 denominations each of which hold a different interpretation of the contents of the same book. The contents of the books haven't changed in almost 2000 years yet Christianity has seen fit to produce over 47,000 different interpretations all laden with logical fallacies that fall short when put beside the actual content of each book of Scripture.

yes you are right, the book has not changed, but the understanding of the book is always derived from personal perception. the 47000 different denominations you stated are all drawn from personal perceptions. the book itself was compiled based on some group of men trying to force an understanding of the scriptures, deciding what should be digested and what should not. i have nothing to say against the scriptures, the right up challenges the understanding or personal interpretations and not the book itself.

There is no confusion it's either you are one of Jesus' disciples or against them, the group name "CHRISTIANS" wasn't the name God wants to call His worshipers it was divinely coined out to mislead Satan's agents who may try to claim they belong to Christ {Act 11:26} so the true God waited until the harvest time when Jesus began separating his fine seeds from among the weeds! Matthew 13:24-30

Even angels in heaven never knew the name God wanted to call His worshipers so the demons (fallen angels) can't know it {1Peter 1:12} so God allowed different religions to bear that group name "CHRISTIANS" for centuries until the year 1931 when His true worshipers has been called out of the weeds {Revelations 18:4} then God began calling His own worshipers by another group name:

JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES! Isaiah 65:15

Note what God has in mind for all others who are defaming God's name and the name of His Son by claiming Christians {Matthew 15:7-9} God will destroy all of them!

So don't be misled the true Christians or Jesus' disciples are united globally today in fact they are fulfilling what God promised regarding His true worshipers in the last days:


In the final part of the days, The mountain of the house of Jehovah Will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, And it will be raised up above the hills, And to it all the nations will stream. And many peoples will go and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, To the house of the God of Jacob. He will instruct us about his ways, And we will walk in his paths.” For law will go out of Zion, And the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. He will render judgment among the nations And set matters straight respecting many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, Nor will they learn war anymore! Isaiah 2:2-4 compare to Micah 4:1-3

The above is what will prove that the Prince of Peace {Isaiah 9:6} has come to this planet and his true followers are messengers and friends of PEACE throughout the earth! Act 1:8

God bless you and may you have PEACE!

Kobojunkie:
A religion that boasts well over 47,000 different denominations each with a different story---- also interpretation ---about the contents of a book that has not changed in over 2000 years is a religion of confusion. Of course, all religion ms out there have similar problems but Christianity takes the award in this category.

I clearly see what you doing
You a fool
You have no idea of what you are saying
Let me leave you to be king of your stupidity

idhigbe:
∆ yes you are right, the book has not changed, but the understanding of the book is always derived from personal perception. the 47000 different denominations you stated are all drawn from personal perceptions.
∆ the book itself was compiled based on some group of men trying to force an understanding of the scriptures, deciding what should be digested and what should not.
∆ i have nothing to say against the scriptures, the right up challenges the understanding or personal interpretations and not the book itself.

That statement in bold is not found anywhere in that book. Rather, it is one of the many scams fed those who submit their abilities to reason on the altar of religion so men who parade themselves as religious authorities could take their lives for a spin and more.

2. This is equally false information. If the book has not changed in over 2000 years, how could what you claim here be true? Think! Think!!! Think!!!

3. Scripture has absolutely nothing to do with the confusion brought in by religion and its multitude of fantastical interpretations which fall apart almost as soon as you begin to examine each against Scriptural content.

richeeyo:

I clearly see what you doing
You a fool
You have no idea of what you are saying
Let me leave you to be king of your stupidity

When men are short of words or understanding, they turn abusive and forceful. really there is no call for the above statement. It might seem justified to you, but its not not. you didn't refer to me, i know, so don't think i am mistaking.