Who is God, really?

My theology is undergoing a dramatic shift. First a definition of God.  I don’t like the word God; there’s just too much baggage attached to it. Are we referring to the mean and vengeful God of the Old Testament or the kinder, gentler Father of Jesus in the New Testament? And the problem goes from there. There are hundreds upon hundreds of names for God as people attempt to deal with all that baggage.  I’ll just type three of those words. One is the God of AA and then two Jewish names (of a multitude).  Since AA includes people of all faiths and religions and  those of no religion, since AA wants the membership to acknowledge a Higher Power to help them recover from addiction, the organization refers to the “Higher Power”. Ancient Jews referred to God as Yahweh or just YVWH. This name is so powerful and unique, the ancient Jews refused to utter it aloud.  Many modern Jews, to get around all possible associations with “God” simply write G-D (the dash is a place holder for Whoever God is and whatever “God” means to you).

For many years I pray to Wankan Tanka, the God of the Lakota Sioux.  That God seems much bigger and more beautiful than “God.”  “Wakan Tanka” then becomes a Universal place holder for Whoever God really is”. However, there is a problem with Wakan Tanka. Many Lakota Sioux, including Sitting Bull, believed that Wakan Tanka was the exclusive God of the Lakota Sioux. So then why would I use it?  Because Wakan Tanka is as good as any names for God. "Then why don’t you just refer to 'God' ", you ask.  Reread what I’ve written so far.

Another reality of this Lakota God is that whereas S/He is infinite in size, beauty and power, S/He is contained and not separate from the Universe. This is basically the God of Albert Einstein, a confessed atheist. He felt that there was “Something” behind Creation and the workings of the Universe. Can an atheist have any “god”? Well, Einstein did.

Then what is my evolving shift in perspective and belief about God? It’s simply that God (nearly as good as any name) is becoming separate from Her creation instead of being limited to this near limitless universe.  A God that is separate can be known and loved. More importantly this God can love me and take care of me.  Yes, S/He can help me find a parking place from time to time. This God can help me with some medical issues I am dealing with. This God can help my friends when I pray and ask Him to. This God can do things for me and with me that I can’t do for myself.  Lauren Daigle sings “Noel”. The refrain includes “Noel, noel. Come and see what God has done!”  Even without the “virgin birth” if that is your belief, God Himself did this wonderful thing through Mary and Joseph.  God Himself and all by Herself created this tiny baby now in the manger.  God creates every baby in every manger(maternity ward, NICU, etc.)  God does this.  This separate God is transforming my life. And what is with all this “Him” and “Her” stuff? Is that distinction really necessary?  Hey, that I’m talking about “God” at all is a huge step. Don’t make me do too much at once.  Besides in the creation narrative, the author of Genesis says, “God created man in his own image,  male and female created He them in His image".  Then if “female” is in God’s image then His/Her image can be female just as easily as She is male. I think She’s neither. He’s God. S/He’s not human. ?S/He, as far as we know, doesn't have sex organs.  It follows then that transgender people are created in God's image. Transsexuals are created in God's image.
Heterosexuals, homosexuals and bisexuals are created in God's image.   “She” then becomes this place holder for Whoever God really is. G-D refers to this same being who told Moses, “Tell Pharaoh that ‘I am who I am’.”

Another powerful song that is moving the needle for me is Andrew Peterson’s “Is He Worthy?”  His refrain is “Is He worthy? Yes He is.” Then G-D is worthy of my reverence and awe.

So am I going to continue to honor Wakan Tanka?  Yes I am. My Indian chants just wouldn’t be the same without Him.