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The concept of Divine essence in Christianity

Divine essence, as interpreted by Protestantism, the Catholic Church, and Early Christianity, reflects the fundamental nature of God, encompassing His characteristics and attributes. It is described as incorporeal, beyond human comprehension, and the source from which all creation emanates. The essence signifies unity among the divine persons and represents the ultimate reality and knowledge of God. This intrinsic quality defines God's relationship with humanity and the universe, emphasizing both His simplicity and the depth of His existence, critical to understanding divinity.

Synonyms: Spiritual nature, Celestial substance, Ethereal essence, Sacred nature, Spiritual substance, Celestial spirit, Spiritual essence, Divine nature, Divine substance, Holy nature, Sacred spirit, Spiritual presence

In French: Essence divine; In Dutch: Goddelijke essentie; In Finnish: Jumalallinen olemus; In Spanish: Esencia divina; In German: Göttliche Essenz; In Malay: Zat Ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomlig essens

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Divine essence'

Christianity Books

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The Holy Ghost is not begotten, neither is the divine essence, therefore to be unbegotten belongs also to the essence; thus it is not proper to the Father. In another sense it signifies what is not begotten, and in this sense it is a relative term; just as negation is reduced to the genus of affirmation, as "not man" is reduced to the genus of substance, and "not white" to the genus of quality.[1] (2) This refers to the fundamental nature or being of the divine, the core characteristics that define what it is.[2] (3) This refers to the core of God, and the text explores whether prophets can perceive it directly, or if their understanding is mediated through other means, such as images or light.[3] (4) The divine will and the divine knowledge are the same, but they are understood and expressed in different ways, according to the text.[4] (5) The provided text references the divine essence as something that needs to be considered, which belongs to the unity, and it remains to treat what belongs to the Trinity of persons in God.[5]

From: Works of St. Anselm

(1) The fundamental nature or quality that characterizes the divine being being discussed.[6]

From: The city of God

(1) The text suggests that God is the only one who has made all things that are not of this, and this is something that man can learn from God.[7]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The divine essence is the meat and drink of the divine Word, and it is the knowledge of this essence that nourishes the soul in a more spiritual manner, as described by the truth-loving Plato.[8] (2) The intrinsic nature or substance of God, particularly in the context of the relationships among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.[9] (3) The idea that human souls may possess a connection to a higher power, though this is doubted by the text’s argument about ignorance.[10] (4) The inherent, incorruptible nature of God, distinguishing Him from human characteristics.[11] (5) The fundamental nature or intrinsic quality of God, which is essential to understanding the arguments surrounding the supremacy of God.[12]

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) This term, mentioned in the text, is associated with the Holy Spirit. The text indicates that the divine essence is the source of eternal life.[13]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) This phrase refers to the fundamental nature of a divine being, encompassing their core qualities and attributes, representing the essence of being.[14] (2) The core of God's being, which, if it had any bounds of place, would be imperfect, and the absence of limitation is key to the nature of God.[15] (3) This describes the nature, perfections, and decrees of God, which are only known to God himself, emphasizing the depth of his understanding.[16] (4) The qualitative aspect of God that incorporates His omnipotence and self-sufficiency without any distinction between His essence and His power.[17] (5) The fundamental nature or inherent qualities of God as a spiritual being.[18]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Plural form: Divine Essences.