Name of God

 

Name of God

The Course (especially in Lesson 183) asks us to call upon God’s Name, but does not tell us what that Name is. The next lesson even says, “God has no name” (W-pI.184.12:1)—apparently meaning that there is no word that is the Name of God. Presumably, then, we can use a name of our own choosing. Indeed, Lesson 67 instructs us to choose names for God, asking only that those names are “in accord with God as He defines Himself” (W-pI.67.2:7). The sample names given are “Holiness,” “Kindness,” “Helpfulness,” and “Perfection.” Similarly, Lesson 282 says, “Father, Your Name is Love” (W-pII.282.2:1). The most commonly used name for God in the Course is “Father.” The Course emphasizes that our true name is God’s Name, since we are His Son (see W-pI.183.1). The various names we give people imply that each person is separate and unique, whereas, in truth, everyone is part of God and thus has only one Name—His. The Course often speaks of us or the Holy Spirit doing something “in the Name of God,” which means to do something on His authority or at His bequest, something that is in line with God’s Nature and Will. The Course speaks of us forgiving, being patient with, and giving miracles to our brother in God’s Name. And it speaks of the Holy Spirit doing everything that He does in God’s Name.