The Terminology of Old Testament Religion and Its Significance

Theology in large measure is inevitably anthropomorphic. Characteristic of the normal religious mind is the attempt to visualize God and man's relation to him, and the resultant picture is usually derived from social relationships. Thus in modern Christianity, and indeed in the New Testament itself, the relationship between God and man is conceived as one between a benevolent father and his son or children. As the father loves his children, so the children should love their father and honor him.