GOD’S RIGHT HAND

I was raised on the Articles of Religion of the Church of England found in the Book of Common Prayer and written by the Protestant Reformers. The first Article is of faith in the Holy Trinity. “There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts or passion; of infinite power, wisdom and goodness; the Maker and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible…..” Ara Trembly, in his THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, makes the case for the physical reality of God by a review of the anthropomorphical language used in Holy Scripture. Can God have a right hand if he wants to even though God is Spirit.

He asks the question: “What exactly does the God of the Bible look like?” The right hand is the dominant hand of most humans (although I am left-handed and have always thought it gave me an advantage). He explores what it means for us to be made in the image and likeness of God. Who did Jacob wrestle with all night? Who was in the burning, fiery furnace with the three men? How can God reveal himself to us as a physical reality? “The idea that He is fundamentally spirit doesn’t change the fact that when He chooses to be, He is also fundamental physical.” When he chooses he can use us to be his right hand in the world. A stimulating thought experiment.