In her book On The Mystery, Discerning Divinity in Process, Catherine Keller writes: “But what is the link between the truth question and the God question? There are, of course, truths about anything and everything. But in the vicinity of religion, and in particular of Christianity, truth has also served as code for “God” and whatever God reveals. But even if we understand God to be “absolute” – non biblical but conventional language — that understanding does not make, or need not make, any human language (however inspired, however truthful, however revealed) itself absolute.
What do you mean when you say “God?”
In a FB post (1.14.15) Anne Lamott wrote it this way:
“Let’s settle this God thing once and for all.
God, or no God?
Who on earth knows?
Any proof, either way?
None, except for Bach, foxes, forgiveness, elephants, bulbs and my dog Lily, may she rest in peace. Also, the fact that someone like me could have 28 years without alcohol or the non-habit-forming marijuana I smoked on a daily basis for 15 years. Also, ripe peaches, books, and Mr. Rogers.
There is Infinite good and beauty and heroism and artistic genius everywhere we look. Is this proof of God?
No, because there is also infinite evil and madness. I am not going to name names.
What do we even mean when we use the word ‘God?'”
In our family when one of my children says “Oh God mom!” I say “Oh – are we praying now?” It’s a way for me to ask “What do you mean when you say God?” I want us to use the word God with intention. I’m not certain that it matters what the intention is – I just want to help my family (and myself) say what we mean.
Listen to yourself today. What do you even mean when you use the word “God?”