Jewish beliefs about G-d's nature (Cambridge International IGCSE Religious Studies)

The nature of G-d

The nature of G-d in Judaism

• The Jewish religion is based on the principle that there is only one indivisible, all-powerful, all-knowing and all-present G-d, who is fair and just, the creator of the universe and mankind

• According to Judaism, G-d has many qualities:

  • One — According to Jewish teachings, G-d does not have multiple parts, and G-d is one

  • Omnipotent — G-d is all-powerful

  • Omnibenevolent — G-d is all-loving

  • Omniscient — G-d is all-knowing

  • Omnipresent — G-d is everywhere at all times

  • Transcendent — G-d is not limited in ways that humans are; he is beyond the constraints of time and space

  • Immanent — G-d is present in the world and sustains it

  • Eternal — G-d has always and will always exist. He is without beginning and without end

  • The creator — G-d made everything in the universe

  • The lawgiver — G-d created humans to live in a certain way, and he gave them many spiritual and ethical rules, or laws

    • There are 613 of these laws in the Torah

  • The judge — G-d will judge everyone and punish those who disobey his laws

  • Merciful — G-d shows compassion

• Views about the nature of G-d within Judaism are similar to the views of the other Abrahamic religions, Islam and Christianity

Different Jewish views on the nature of G-d

What are the different Jewish views on the nature of G-d?

• There are some views about the nature of G-d that are shared by all Jewish groups

  • For example, all Jews believe in one indivisible G-d as expressed in the Shema: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One”

    • This view is shared by Orthodox, Reform and Liberal Jews

• However, there are some views about the nature of G-d that may vary between groups

  • For example, Jews believe that G-d created the world ex nihilo, that the universe has purpose and order and that Shabbat celebrates G-d's rest after creation (Genesis 1–2)

    • Some Reform Jews may see creation more symbolically and not believe that G-d created everything literally in six days

  • Also, all Jews believe that G-d is the lawgiver because G-d gave the Torah (including the 613 mitzvot) to Moses on Mount Sinai

    • Orthodox Jews believe that all laws are divine and must be kept
    • Reform/Liberal Jews may believe that some laws are symbolic or outdated and can be reinterpreted for modern times

  • All Jews believe that G-d is both transcendent and immanent

    • However, some Jews emphasise one aspect more than the other

Impact of the beliefs about G-d on Jews’ daily life

How does belief in the nature of G-d impact the daily lives of Jews?

• The nature of G-d is important as it is the foundation for Jewish beliefs and practices

  • Knowing G-d’s nature helps Jews relate to G-d through prayer, obedience and worship

• There are many ways in which belief in the nature of G-d impacts the daily practices of Jews

  • The concept of Shekhinah refers to G-d’s divine presence on earth

    • This idea highlights G-d’s closeness to His people and His active involvement in the world
    • Many Jews believe they can experience G-d’s presence through prayer,studying the Torah and worshipping together

  • All Jews believe in the “oneness” of G-d

    • Belief in one personal G-d leads Jews to pray daily, often three times (Shacharit, Minchah, Ma’ariv)

  • Belief in G-d as lawgiver means that Jews obey the 613 mitzvot in the Torah

    • Orthodox Jews follow these strictly (for example,kashrut and Shabbat observance)
    • Reform Jews may choose which laws to follow, focusing on ethical teachings

  • All Jews believe in a G-d that is just and compassionate

    • To try and achieve this in the world, Jews follow the practices of tzedakah, gemilut chasadim and teshuvah

  • Remembering G-d as the creator, Jews rest on Shabbat from Friday sunset to Saturday night

    • This is a time for worship, family and reflection, imitating G-d’s rest after creation

  • Belief in G-d’s omniscience and benevolence helps Jews face challenges with hope

    • Jews would believe that things happen for a reason and trust in G-d’s plan for them

Worked Example Explain how belief in the nature of G-d affects the daily life of Jews

[6 marks]

Final answer: Answer:

Belief in G-d as the lawgiver would influence how Jewish people live their lives. They would be more likely to follow the mitzvot in the Torah and live their lives according to G-d’s laws

Jewish people believe that Shabbat is extremely important. This reflects the significance of the belief that G-d is the creator and that the Genesis account of creation should be respected

It is important within Judaism to view G-d as a personal G-d, and this is demonstrated in the importance of prayer, as Jews believe they have a personal relationship with G-d and that he listens to them

Exam Hint Try to use key sources and quotes within your responses to questions on this topic

Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4): “The Lord our G-d, the Lord is One”

Genesis 1: G-d as the creator

Exodus: G-d giving the Law at Sinai

Also, be prepared to apply beliefs to life. Explain how belief in G-d’s nature affects:

• Worship and prayer
• Moral decisions
• Observance of mitzvot and Shabbat
• Trust in G-d during suffering