What Do We Know about God? Evidence from the Hebrew Scriptures

God has been around for a long time–in fact from the very beginning–but what do we actually know about him? Perhaps this is a silly question, because many people will regard the God of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as unknowable. Nevertheless, this book explores the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) to unearth just what is revealed about the nature and persona of the Deity. Early chapters discuss the first signs of religious beliefs, and the origins of the major religions. Ten chapters are devoted to what the Scriptures reveal about God’s origin, attributes, and activities. These include miracles, making laws, punishing, rewarding, answering prayers, and predicting a future Messiah. A final chapter summarizes and draws conclusions. The sheer number of details gleaned from the biblical texts helps the reader to see God as an entity, with a personality who has attributes, likes, and dislikes. He rejoices, but also laments; he has a presence, he is available, he hears our prayers. Those who were a little unsure about the authenticity of God should have their confidence in him strengthened by the amount of information presented. They can then explore this further for themselves. “”Michael J. Lowis takes the reader on an inspiring journey to reveal God’s nature through relevant examples and insightful observations about the Hebrew scriptures. Readers will find their curiosity sparked and a deeper engagement with their understanding of God developed. A brief discussion of the origins of religion and the major world religions, in addition to the comprehensive exploration of the scriptures, a make this book readers will return to time and again.”” — Teresa A. Fisher, Assistant Professor, Bronx Community College “”Mike Lowis has produced a tour de force in his book. He reveals an encyclopedic knowledge of the Hebrew scriptures, anthropology, theology. This is a book that will challenge many held assumptions and questions about our knowledge of God. I would simply add the Bible was written by men and the author steadfastly refers to God as male when Gen 1:27 indicates God embraces both genders as religions have often shown. Nevertheless, I warmly commend this book.”” –K. Graham Hawley, Methodist Minister and Former Adult Educator “”Whether they claim to believe in God or not, many people have little idea of what God is like, and few know what the Bible says about God–particularly in the Old Testament. Michael Lowis explores what scripture says, in a way that will help conservative and liberal Christians–and those who are still seeking for a faith.”” –John Lansley, Methodist Minister, and Former University Teacher of Social Studies Dr. Michael J. Lowis is both a psychologist and theologian. This book is his fifth, and he has to date also authored over fifty academic papers and book chapters. He is a founder member of The Journal of Applied Arts and Health, and currently serves on its academic board. Now retired from university lecturing, he enjoys the challenge of applying psychological and scientific methodology to theological questions.