On one hand, I was surprised to hear this question come from a Kenyan pastor at the Pastor's Conference; but, on the other hand, remembering the animistic background and influences of the culture, this was a very important question from the student. We can easily turn in our Bibles to John 4:24 and say, "See there, Jesus says, 'God is Spirit,'" and be satisfied (for the most part) with the answer. Realize that we Westerners do not view the spirits in the same way as most others in the world, so this question comes as a "loaded" one. Interestingly, even the Western (neo)pagan, witch or other interested party should be interested in this question.
I owe my good friend,
Dr. Phil Steyne of Columbia International University, credit for the following:
First, those outside the biblical worldview believe that all objects contain an impersonal power, or life-force. This "charge" flows from one object to another and is meant to be used and manipulated by those who are able. This is a kind of pantheism ("god" is in all things). This power or force is synonymous with "spirits" or "gods."
Second, since certain rocks, trees, mountains (or geographical areas), sacred objects/idols/fetishes, shrines and persons (both alive and dead) contain spirits, they may be manipulated by man.
Third, since these powers/forces/spirits/gods are many, they may be co-equal, or heirarchical and are believed to have specific spheres of control either spatial, personal or chronological. In other words, powers can be used to move objects, "possess" or control persons, or cause a "domino effect" of events.
Now, all this means is there is either one God (monotheism), or there are many gods. "Some believe in a supreme god above lesser deities . . . this god not considered to be intimately involved with or concerned for man and his world. Instead men seek out the lesser powers to meet their desires." (Steyne,
Gods of Power). To the student asking the question, the implication is "is God a personal being" or more specifically "can He be known?"
In a power-conscious system, man is the focus of all life so all powers/forces/spirits/gods exist solely for his or her benefit. Consider what this means when someone says, "pray for me" in any context outside the biblical worldview: they are looking for a manipulation of power that will grant them success.
G. Ernest Wright explains for our consideration:
"Israelite faith . . . was an utterly unique and radical departure from all contemporary pagan religions. The latter were all natural and cultural religions . . . . Natural religion in Biblical times analyzed the problem of man over against nature. In the struggle for existence the function of religious worship was that of the integration of personal and social life with the natural world . . . . The life of the individual was embedded in the rhythm and integration of the cosmic society of nature . . . . In the faith of Israel . . . there is a radical and complete difference . . . The Israelite did not analyze the problem of life over against nature. The latter plays a subordinate role in the fiath, except as it is used by God to further His work in society and history. Instead, the problem of life is understood over against the will and purpose of the God who had chosen one people as the instrument of His universal, redemptive purpose. This election of a people was not based upon merit, but upon mysterious grace . . . . Here then, is an utterly different God from all the gods of natural, cultural and philosophic religions. He is not immanent power in nature nor in the natural process of being or become . . . He transcends nature, as he transcends history . . . He is unique, sui generis, utterly different." (Wright, "
God Who Acts.")
So is God a spirit? Yes, and we have that confirmation in scripture. But what kind of spirit is He? Is he this deistic being that sits remotely at the apex of some kind of heirarchy? Can He be respected? Can He be known on personal terms? That God is creator, sustainer and judge is widely accepted; however, He is also Father to those who are brought to Him on His terms--this means that He is living, personal and intimately involved in the smallest details in the lives of men. So far, any god that falls outside the Biblical definition is an idol, a god of one's own understanding and cannot be known--he does not exist.
