Author: Bright Azumah
“God” is an English word of ancient Germanic origin, meaning “the invoked.” It is a representation rather than a sacred name—unlike the Jewish representation of the “invoked” as “YHWH,” which is treated with sacred reverence and has an obscure, intentionally concealed pronunciation.
Across many human cultures, there is a belief in a superhuman being who is invoked. Since “God” essentially means “the invoked,” the word has evolved into a universally accepted term for this being. However, while the term may be universal, the meaning is not. What is “invoked” varies widely among cultures and individuals. God, therefore, manifests subjectively—each culture and person interpreting divinity through their unique experiences.
This leads to a critique of atheism. Atheism is commonly defined as a lack of belief in the existence of God. However, if God is understood as “the invoked,” and if atheists also believe in or appeal to something—be it logic, nature, self, or science—that they turn to for meaning or truth, then their objection may not be to invocation itself but to the traditional use of the word God. In essence, everyone invokes something. And to the extent that we all invoke something, we all—by this definition—believe in God, even if differently.
So, what or who is God?
I am a believer in a reality beyond what I can see—a reality that explains the existence of the universe and my own being. That reality is my God. My God can be impersonal and yet personalized: impersonal in that all non-living matter originates from God, and personalized in that every living being is a unique expression of God and serves God’s purpose.
If God is the reality that explains everything, then God’s nature is reflected in the laws of physics, chemistry, and biology. These laws are routinely “invoked” to explain the universe, much like invoking God for understanding—suggesting a conceptual parallel.
String theory, a growing theoretical framework, seeks to unify the laws of nature by modelling reality as vibrating strings—essentially musical notes. These vibrations occur in distinct patterns, often resembling the infinity symbol (♾️). To me, this symbolizes the infinite and harmonious nature of reality. It aligns with my belief in God as an infinite set of positive (stable) manifestations.
Thus, God is a singular reality unified by infinite potential expressed positively. God emerges from the nature of infinite sets of possibilities—what one could call “Gods”—each giving rise to a universe that mirrors that God’s unique nature. Our universe is governed by its own God, suggesting the existence of other universes, each with its own divine character. These “Gods” are infinite in essence, yet each is distinct.
This understanding of God ties directly into the human experience. God manifests infinitely across cultures and individuals, in ways shaped by their unique encounters with the divine. I, too, have a personal relationship with God, just as everyone else does—yet God transcends any single person’s perspective.
The nature of God is to create. Life, in this context, is a rare and precious manifestation of God in material form. Life reflects the uniqueness of God, especially in its higher forms, which possess creative power. Human beings, in particular, are a rare expression of God in matter—with the capacity to reflect and even become like God. The human mind has the creative potential to manifest aspects of God, making human potential nearly infinite—if we choose to activate it.
What ancient seekers perceived as the “Spirit of God,” and what modern thinkers and scientists describe as consciousness, is the unseen, creative nature of God.
I am a believer in the consciousness of reality—the Mind of God. From this consciousness arises every possibility—every creation. Interestingly, the human mind is conscious as well, which explains its innate creativity. I believe the human mind can commune with the divine mind, receiving insight and inspiration. The power to choose—free will—is essential for creation and is thus a divine trait.
This leads me to conclude that only God and human beings possess true choices. This places humanity uniquely close to God.
What, then, is the purpose of God?
The purpose of God is to create and sustain balance. God is inherently balanced, which is why creation exists, why the universe is stable, and why life flourishes.
Life, in turn, is meant to replicate this nature—by creating and sustaining balance. Stability in life emerges from balanced connections. Life is not just a product of God but a replication of God’s nature in physical form.
To be created is a gift. It is an opportunity to express God’s nature and to be a part of God’s infinite reality in a positive, meaningful way.
I am a believer. I know God, and God knows me. We are manifestations of God’s nature, and we have the choice to become like God.
Enjoy life. Arise and create.
Author: Bright Kojo Azumah
Mr. Bright Azumah is a Biochemist and a Lecturer of Science Laboratory Technology.at the Accra Technical University
