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The concept of Godhead in Christianity

The keyphrase "Godhead" encompasses the divine nature and essence of God, as understood across various Christian traditions. In Christianity, it is intricately linked to concepts such as the Trinity, the divine nature of Christ, and the unity of God. Each tradition—including Gnosticism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism, and Catholicism—offers distinct interpretations, discussing the Godhead in relation to authority, righteousness, and spiritual reality. Ultimately, the Godhead represents the foundational essence of God, emphasizing the attributes and majesty recognized in Christian teachings.1
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Synonyms: Divinity, Deity, Supreme being, Divine essence, Higher power, Theos, Omnipotence, Transcendent being, Divine nature, Sacredness, Godliness, Holiness

In Dutch: Godheid; In Finnish: Jumaluus; In Spanish: Deidad; In German: Gottheit; In Swedish: Gudom; In Malay: Ketuhanan; In French: ¶Ù¾±±¹¾±²Ô¾±³Ùé

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

Christian concept of 'Godhead'

Christianity Books

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) With regard to the majesty of the Godhead, three things are proposed to our belief: first, the unity of the Godhead, to which the first article refers; secondly, the trinity of the Persons, to which three articles refer, corresponding to the three Persons; and thirdly, the works proper to the Godhead.[1] (2) This refers to the divine nature or essence of God, encompassing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, representing their shared glory and honor.[2] (3) This is a term referring to the divine essence or nature of God, and in the context of Christ, it refers to his divine aspect, which is distinct from his human nature.[3] (4) The divine nature of God, and it is mentioned in the context of Christ's death where it was not separated from Christ's flesh, and was a factor in salvation.[4] (5) The divine nature of Christ, which exists in conjunction with His body and soul in the sacrament.[5]

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 text discusses the unity of the Godhead, which has a Son, and the unity is used to counter the multitude of false gods.[6] (2) This entity is invoked to forbid certain actions, indicating a higher power that disapproves of those behaviors.[7] (3) The unity of the divine nature is maintained without compromising the concept of a single deity, as the rule of faith also preserves it.[8] (4) This refers to the divine nature of God, which is not capable of suffering, and the text provides the explanation.[9] (5) This refers to the divine nature or essence of God, the object of worship and praise, and the source of blessings and thanksgivings.[10]

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 Christianity (general):

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) The text mentions that if Romans 9:5 contains a definite affirmation of this of Christ, then the theories that imply the Christology of Phil. and Col. is conspicuously higher than what preceded should be treated with suspicion.[11] (2) The theological term for the divine nature of God, specifically in the view of the Trinity.[12]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This term is employed to describe the nature of God, and Paul discusses this nature in relation to the Greeks, highlighting the relationship between philosophy, history, and the idea of God.[13] (2) This refers to the divine nature of God, and the text mentions the cloud of humanity reveals it even while it swathes it.[14]

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) This refers to the divine presence, and the world was filled with it, and the people rejoiced at the sight of Thy glory therein.[15] (2) The divine nature or essence of God, to which Adam was brought close, indicating his elevation and acceptance into the divine realm.[16]

From: The Book of the Bee

(1) The Godhead is mentioned in the text in relation to the robe without seam at the upper end.[17]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) The Godhead is the one Providence of Highest over all, superessentially established above all the powers, unseen and seen, and the text emphasizes that the Godhead is not leader of Jews by lot.[18] (2) This is the source of all good order, and causes the deifying rays to approach the more Godlike first, and through them, transmits light and manifestations to the subordinate.[19]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

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

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) The text says that when we disown God's authority, we disown his Godhead, implying that Godhead is his divine nature and essence.[20]

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.

Gnostic concept of 'Godhead'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Pistis Sophia

(1) The godhead is a divine concept, and submitting oneself to it is a way to access the mystery, as explained in the text.[21] (2) The godhead is a concept that is associated with the righteous body, and it is the goal of the righteous body, which is found in truth and the higher mysteries, and it is associated with the Light-kingdom.[22] (3) This refers to the divine nature, which individuals are encouraged to seek, and its proclamation must be consistent with the Saviour's teachings to be considered authentic.[23] (4) The divine essence or nature, indicating a state of knowledge and understanding of a higher spiritual reality.[24]