Faith without religion.
Exploring the Plurality of God’s Nature
In this week’s episode of Heart of the Matter FULL CIRCLE, host Shawn McCraney delves into the complex topic of the nature of God, specifically focusing on the concept of God’s plurality. The show begins with a heartfelt prayer, seeking guidance in faith and love.
The episode, titled “The Real Make-up of God: Part II,” continues the exploration of God’s nature, building on previous discussions. McCraney emphasizes the importance of discernment, particularly in understanding the “music of God” amidst the myriad of influences in our lives. He shares his personal journey of developing spiritual discernment, distinguishing between the divine and the mundane.
A significant portion of the show addresses the LDS Church, with McCraney hinting at an upcoming dedicated episode that will focus on the teachings of Russell M. Nelson, the current president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He explains that the groundwork laid in previous episodes is essential for these discussions.
The heart of the episode revolves around the biblical references to God’s plurality. McCraney points out that the very first verse in Genesis describes God in a plural form, leading to questions about the traditional understanding of the Trinity. He references John 17:3, where Jesus identifies the Father as the “only true God,” raising questions about the role of the Holy Spirit in this context.
Throughout the episode, McCraney examines various scriptural passages, including those from Paul’s writings, to highlight the absence of the Holy Spirit in discussions of the Godhead. He challenges listeners to consider how the Holy Spirit is defined in scripture and whether it aligns with the traditional Trinitarian view.
The discussion also touches on the creation narrative in Genesis, where McCraney emphasizes the plural language used to describe God and the creation of humanity. He argues that this plurality reflects a divine nature that encompasses both masculine and feminine qualities.
As the episode concludes, McCraney previews next week’s discussion, promising to further unpack these themes and their implications for understanding the nature of God. This episode invites listeners to engage deeply with their faith and the complexities of divine identity, encouraging a thoughtful exploration of scripture and belief.