Defenders Podcast Defenders: Doctrine of God: Attributes of God (Part 11): Anthropomorphic Language and Theophanies
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Jan 26, 2022 The podcast explores the contrast between God's non-physical essence and anthropomorphic language in Scripture. It discusses Peter's transformative vision, highlighting key lessons on inclusivity for Gentiles. Visions in the lives of Stephen and Paul are examined for their theological impact. Theophanies, like those experienced by Moses and Isaiah, are analyzed as symbolic encounters that reveal God's holiness and greatness, encouraging listeners to appreciate these moments as metaphorical rather than literal.
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Biblical Case For God's Incorporeality
- The Bible presents God as incorporeal, affirming He transcends matter and energy rather than being a material body.
- Dr. William Lane Craig cites scriptural claims that God is spirit, omnipresent, invisible, and Creator of all material things as the basis.
Anthropomorphisms Are Metaphors Not Literal
- Anthropomorphic language about God's hands, eyes, and face functions as metaphor to express attributes like power, knowledge, and presence.
- Craig uses dictionary entries (New Bible Dictionary, Unger's) and 1 Peter 3:12 to show these terms denote presence, power, and attentiveness, not literal body parts.
Literal Readings Create Contradictions
- Literal interpretation of anthropomorphisms would produce contradictions and location problems for God.
- Craig argues that if God were a physical body He couldn't 'fill heaven and earth,' and different anthropomorphic depictions would conflict.