Since ancient times, humans have continuously asked the question: “Who Is the Real God?” Is there a single Creator, or does each culture have its own interpretation of the divine? On the journey to seek the truth, we encounter various perspectives from religion, philosophy, and even science.
Defining God
In major religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Caodaism, the image of God or the Supreme Being is described in different ways. Some beliefs consider God as a conscious entity, possessing supreme power, omniscient, omnipotent, and benevolent. Meanwhile, certain philosophical and scientific schools view the universe from an atheistic standpoint, arguing that the ultimate nature of reality is a set of governing laws without a conscious entity controlling them.
Buddhism, particularly the Mahayana tradition, does not refer to a creator god but instead emphasizes the impermanence of all things, the workings of cause and effect, and the true nature of reality. Caodaism integrates various elements from different traditions, recognizing God as the Supreme Creator while emphasizing spiritual cultivation to unite with Him.
Perspectives on “Who Is the Real God?”
- Theistic perspective: This is the predominant view in religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Caodaism. God is seen as a conscious being with infinite power and the source of all life. He not only created the universe but also sustains and governs it according to His will.
- Pantheistic perspective: Some philosophical and Eastern religious traditions, such as Taoism and certain Buddhist sects, believe that God is not a personal entity but rather the fundamental law governing the universe. In this view, everything is a manifestation of a singular reality, and God is the entirety of existence.
- Atheistic perspective: Atheist philosophers and many scientists argue that the concept of God is a product of human consciousness to explain the unknown aspects of the universe. Instead of a creator deity, they rely on natural laws, physics, and science to interpret all phenomena.
God in Different Religions
Below is a quick overview of the concept of God in different religions:
| Religion | Concept of God |
|---|---|
| Christianity | One supreme, omniscient, omnipotent, and benevolent God; Creator of the universe and humanity; Reveals Himself through the Bible and Jesus Christ. |
| Islam | Allah is the Supreme Being, formless, neither begotten nor begetting; Everything follows His will. |
| Hinduism | Brahman is the ultimate, formless reality; Deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma represent different aspects of Brahman. |
| Buddhism | No personal creator God; Focuses on the nature of reality, impermanence, and liberation through wisdom and compassion. |
| Caodaism | Recognizes a Supreme Creator while integrating elements from various religions for spiritual enlightenment and self-cultivation. |
This comparative table provides a simplified understanding of how different faiths perceive the divine.
Is There One True God?
You cannot find an absolute answer when confronted with the diversity of faiths, experiences, and perspectives. However, I want to affirm that our universe has only one true God, the One who created it according to a grand, divine plan.
The way He created the universe and His purpose for this creation has been revealed in Chapter 1: “The Origin of All Beings” (Book: The Buddha Teaches Once More). I invite you to explore further to understand this truth.
Conclusion
The question “Who Is the Real God?” is not merely a religious inquiry but a personal journey in search of truth. Depending on one’s faith and life experiences, each person will have their own answer. However, beyond belief, it is essential that we strive for love, sincerity, and righteousness in our lives, as these values give true meaning to our existence.
