In Christianity, the supreme creator and ruler of the universe. The Christian religion, like Judaism and Islam, maintains that there is only one God (
monotheism), who is active in and concerned about the world. These religions are also
patriarchal (male-dominated), which has resulted in God being described as He. Recently, some theologians have argued that this ignores the positive female characteristics of the Godhead in favour of masculine qualities.
The true nature of God is beyond human experience and understanding. However, Christians believe God is infinite (without beginning or end), omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), benevolent (all-loving), eternal, unchanging, holy, perfect, and personal. The Christian idea of God is shown in the belief of the
Trinity. God is One, but with three aspects: God the Father, the creator, ruler, and sustainer of all life, and divine judge; God the Son, who is
Jesus, God made incarnate and saviour of humanity; and the
Holy Spirit, who is God working in the world.
© RM 2009. Helicon Publishing is division of RM.