God the Father, Mentor's Guide, MG06

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G O D T H E F A T H E R

In his relationship to his created universe, God is both immanent and transcendent . God’s immanence refers to his present and active involvement in all his creation. God’s transcendence refers to the truth that God is infinite and therefore cannot be contained within creation or known without his sovereign choice to reveal himself to others. The attributes of God refer to the traits of the entire Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and may be classified in terms of his greatness and his goodness . The attributes associated with God’s greatness include his spirituality, life, personality, infinity, and constancy. The attributes associated with God’s goodness include his moral purity, integrity, and love. Now is the time for you to discuss with your fellow students your questions about this introductory lesson on the doctrine of God. What particular questions do you have in light of the material you have just studied? Maybe some of the questions below might help you form your own, more specific and critical questions. * What difference does it make to assert that God the Father Almighty is the Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible, and not some impersonal force? Why do you think the bishops of the Church began the Creed with this affirmation? * Why must we assert wholeheartedly that no one can know God without God initiating the encounter? If this is so, how can God hold anyone to blame for not coming to him and knowing him, if God must begin the relationship? * What happens when someone emphasizes general revelation over the importance of special revelation? On the other hand, what happens when someone emphasizes special revelation without understanding God’s role in general revelation?

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Student Application and Implications

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