Part 259. My theological position: a summary. Section Two

Who or what is God? Does God exist?  Theories as to the existence and nature of God are simply just that, theories. It is all conjecture and ultimately a matter of personal faith. Hebrews 11:1 encapsulates it well:

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

John Shelby Spong commented on the nature of God thus:

God is not a noun, that demands to be described, God is a verb that invites us to love, to live, to be.

God is a human construct, a concept symbolising that which we cannot understand, a concept commandeered for different purposes throughout history.  To my mind, for followers of Jesus God's being and purpose is love for humanity, for freedom, inclusion, equity, for the poor, marginalised and discriminated against.

An associated matter concerns prayer.  I question the idea that God listens to and responds to prayer and the value of intercessionary prayer. I query the motives of individuals who, to justify their actions, assert they are in response to the Holy Spirit. 

We may in faith believe in the efficacy of prayer, the leading of the Holy Spirit but let us not anthropomorphise God. God is beyond description.