The Divine We: Understanding the Creator God in Biblical Context
In the opening verses of Genesis, the phrase ldquo;Let us make man in our image and likenessrdquo; (Gen 1:26-28) raises intriguing questions about the identity of the ldquo;usrdquo; and the ldquo;werdquo; mentioned. This passage offers deep insights into the nature of divine creation and the interconnectedness of all beings.
The Elohim: The Creator Deity
The Elohim, referred to in the Bible, is often recognized as the first created incarnation of God's infinite intelligence. This singular divine expression gave rise to the concept of the ldquo;one becoming the many,rdquo; symbolizing the emergence of various forms of beingness. The Elohim represents the Alpha of beingness or the readiness, often recognized as the first begotten son.
Biblical Understanding of Divine Trinitarian Nature
A closer look at the Elohim reveals a complex and multifaceted nature attributed by various interpretations over time. Traditionally, Christians often conceptualize the divine as the Holy Trinity: one God with three persons. However, this representation may not align perfectly with the biblical usage, as each translation holds nuances that reflect different cultural and linguistic contexts.
The Elohim and Divine Trinitarian Interpretation
Understanding the Elohim as a singular divine expression leading to the plural representation of ldquo;werdquo; can offer a deeper interpretation of the divine. If we view the Elohim as the primary manifestation of God, it is natural to consider that this singular being engaged in dialogue with other divine expressions or creations, symbolizing a collective divine wisdom and action.
Divine Nature and Creation
The concept that all beings share in the divine nature is central to numerous religious and philosophical traditions. For instance, the message of the Messiah suggests that humans are gods, implying a shared divinity among all beings. This aligns with the idea that every individual has the potential to understand and act upon their divine nature, a notion aligned with concepts such as the Law of Attraction, karma, or free will.
Angelic Influence and Human Nature
The ldquo;Knowledge of good and evilrdquo; introduced in the garden is seen as a pivotal moment where humans gained the capacity for self-reflection and moral decision-making. This knowledge, a result of the creator beings (Elohim) in their image, allowed humans to realize their divinity and purpose.
Quarantine of Divine Interference
Over many millennia, attempts to rectify this knowledge led to a temporary quarantine of divine intervention. Events such as the Great Flood created a new beginning, allowing divine providence to take center stage. This process has shaped human understanding of the divine and our place in the world.
Conclusion
While the biblical use of singular and plural forms in reference to God may seem contradictory, these distinctions are essential to a nuanced understanding of divine nature and creation. Recognizing the Elohim as a singular expression of God leading to a pluralistic understanding of ldquo;werdquo; can provide valuable insights into the interconnectedness of all beings and the journey of self-discovery that accompanies understanding our shared divinity.