What does the word GOD mean to you?
By emeraldisle
@emeraldisle (13139)
United States
April 2, 2008 9:07pm CST
We hear the word a great deal when you think about it but that doesn't mean we all think of it the same way. The Webster Dictionary gives the following definition for the word:
[b][i]1. the supreme or ultimate reality: the Being perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness who is worshipped as creator and ruler of the universe
2. a being or object believed to have more than natural attributes and powers and to require human worship; specifically : one controlling a particular aspect or part of reality[/i][/b]
So obviously the word does not go with any one religion or belief system. If that is the case then why is it some seem to assume when they hear words like "In God We Trust" or "One Nation Under God" that it is the Christian God being talked about. Couldn't it just as easily be for any Supreme Being? Does it have to be only one in particular being described? So when you hear the word GOD what or who do you think of?
2 people like this
13 responses
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
3 Apr 08
We assume that the phrase " In G-d We Trust" is talking about the Christian G-d because Most Americans were Christian when it was written or said and most Americans are Christian now.But Not all Americans are Christian.So the word G-d would and should mean different things to different people.For me G-d is love.
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@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
3 Apr 08
Exactly not all were Christian. I would like to think it was a term to mean for everyone and not just one group. Love is a good word to use for a description. I would like to think that is one aspect of the word God.
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@deeeky (3667)
• Edinburgh, Scotland
3 Apr 08
I suppose god can mean may things to many people. If a craft landed here from another planet we we decide to change to another power or could we say that god had the power to create many form of life such as ours elsewhere in the universe?
The sun has been worshiped as well as the moon or even totem poles, so who knows the unknowable that exists.
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@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
4 Apr 08
You're right it can mean many different things. I think we should each be able to decide for ourselves what it means.
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
4 Apr 08
Hhmm what do I think when I hear the word God...Nothing really...I mean it really holds no part in my life so there isnt anything TO think..its just like hearing the word Cheese...there really isnt any deep, spiritual meaning to me or feeling etc simply because I have no belief in Christianity or anything that has to do with it...
"If that is the case then why is it some seem to assume when they hear words like "In God We Trust" or "One Nation Under God" that it is the Christian God being talked about"
I would have to say its because the U.S was supposedly founded by Christians...I also think that since not all Supreme Beings are called "God" but the Christian one thats another factor..
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@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
5 Apr 08
It's true that many of the founders were Christian but there were also other relgions present here. Yes the Christian God is called that but it could easily mean any other god. I say God but I might mean any of the gods I worship.
I think if the founders wanted to specify they would have said "In Jesus we trust" and not let it up to interpretation.
@fawcey (926)
• Australia
5 Apr 08
I guess the word GOD to me symbolises an entitiy that has no one religion or beleif attached to it. GOD is to me the creator of all and is not linked to a religion yet gives people a thing to beleive in and have faith in. Some religions have different names for GOD but in the end I believe he is all one and the same just that the different religions have different beliefs and rituals attatched to the word GOD. I dont know if I really made much sense then but oh well, I tried. :)
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@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
5 Apr 08
Actually yes you did make a lot of sense and I understand it perfectly. My thought is they are all the same it's just the manner in which we view them that alters.
@aidenw (632)
• United States
5 Apr 08
my concept of god has changed over the years. i used to look at god the same way many religions do: an external supreme being who needs to be worshiped, can be loving, but also judges us and keeps a record of what we do and don't do and will get angry and punish us if we don't do things according to his liking.
i still believe in god but in a somewhat different way. god is nothing but love. he wants what's best for us, he wants us to enjoy life the way it's meant to be, and we can achieve that by being in allignment with him. each one of us is an extension (a part) of god. we are actually one with him; he in us, and we in him. he does not need to be worshipped nor does he judge and punish us.
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@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
7 Apr 08
I like how you explained that and the fact that your perception of God has changed over the years. I also like how you said he doesn't judge or punish us. Personally I think we do enough of that on our own without God doing it.
@Chevreuse (13)
• Philippines
5 Apr 08
Being in a third world country, I mostly hear a lot about God. I'm not a religious person myself but please don't flame as I'm only merely stating my opinion. For me, God now is something you reach for help to when you're in trouble. God is also someone to blame for when you something happened or you did something. God right now isn't usually respected unlike in the past... This includes all religions that has a God.
So... Peace, my friends :D
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@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
7 Apr 08
I'm not religious either but I am spiritual, so no need to worry from me. Besides you are allowed to give your opinion since that is what I asked for. I do see a lot who seem to do that, blame God for everything and reach out for help to but the rest of them time they could care less. I think in many ways especially with organized religions God is not respected like it was in the past. Some still do and always will but there are parts that have no respect for their own beliefs let alone anyone elses.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
5 Apr 08
great question,
at the time those words were thought of and used it was a christian god because it was solely a christian nation, now america has many people's with many religions,
so you can either think this saying is archaic and doesn't apply anymore,
or it is extended to apply god the eternal that is revered by any faith that lives within the borders of the united states of america.
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
5 Apr 08
I beg to differ that the US was solely a christian nation. There were those who came that followed other religions. It may have been the dominate at the time but it was not the only religion of the populace.
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
3 Apr 08
I like that image you describe. That's a nice way to think of God or Higher Power.
@HawaiiGopher (1009)
• Belgium
4 Apr 08
To me, God is a concept invented to facilitate our understanding of the world. It is an invention created to comfort us in times of troubles and look towards when we need explanations. However, in my opinion, it's not real.
But once again, that's just my personal opinion.
1 person likes this
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
4 Apr 08
And you are allowed that opinion 
I may not agree with it but that is my choice as well.
I may not agree with it but that is my choice as well.
@Breath (1297)
• United States
14 May 08
God means to me the giver of LIFE...The true Artist of the world...Ultimate LOVE in the most devoted form known to men...God means sweet forgivness...The word God makes me think of heaven...God makes me think Of Jesus...A childs laughter...The twinkle in my mothers eyes...Everything Beautiful and pure is a form of GOD....
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