The being of God often appears to be so grand and tremendous in its multiple meanings and ideas that it might seem to be impossible to embrace, thus preventing one even from making an effort to examine it. However, multiple studies on the complicated nature of God and the related theological concepts allow approaching the subject matter and realizing that some of its aspects are, in fact, intuitively understandable. Coakley’s meditations on the nature of the Trinity as the embodiment of God have contributed to a more nuanced interpretation of the being of God by introducing deep spiritual insights linked directly to every layer of an individual’s self.
On a personal level, the described idea of exploring the most intimate aspects of my personal life in order to expand my spiritual development and create a stronger connection with God appeared to be slightly complicated at first. The idea of sexuality as a strictly tabooed notion has been so profoundly entrenched in our culture that the mere thought of introducing it to the realm that is supposed to lead to redemption and purification seemed nearly blasphemous at first. However, on further analysis of the subject matter, I managed to reconcile my idea of sexuality as an intrinsic element of human nature with the one of spirituality as a state of continuous development. Namely, by acknowledging that sexuality is not inherently connected to sin, I recognized the argument that Coakley conveyed in her book.
In addition, with the specified discovery, the notion of the Trinity of God became more apparent and clearer to me. Specifically, the concept of benevolence has shifted my perspective of the idea of God significantly. By including benevolence into my perception of God as the almighty power, I managed to adjust my perception of God as especially loving and forgiving. Thus, my relationship with God can blossom into something entirely new and fascinating with the help of the insight gained from Coakley’s book. In addition, he described the change in the perception of God has helped to make His image less distanced and more relatable. In the traditional Christian paradigm of viewing God, he might seem as slightly cold and distanced from humans, which cannot be further away from the truth. In turn, the described change in my perspective allowed me to realize that the idea of overwhelming love and compassion constitutes a tremendous part of the being of God.
Moreover, the notion of Triune that Coakley encourages in her discourse allows placing a large enough emphasis on the Spirit, which is typically glanced over when considering the being of God. In turn, the inclusion of the Spirit into the internal theological discourse and the personal interpretation of the concept of God helps to understand the importance of pacing one’s complete and unwavering trust in God, relying on Him and His judgment, understanding, and compassion. The described action leads to complete openness in relationships between an individual and God, which is essential in prayer. Therefore, by pointing out the role of the Spirit in praying and the significance of a very close and intimate connection with God, Coakley’s book becomes crucial assistance on the path toward self-discovery and the revelation of one’s spirituality. Furthermore, the book has outlined possible areas that may need to be considered in the future as the focus of spiritual development, including the issues of shame, personal acceptance, and tradition versus morality.
Overall, the insights that Coakley’s book has provided were essential in revisiting my personal attitudes and perceptions of vital Christian ideas and concepts, as well as my relationship with Christianity and God, in particular. By offering a chance at making the process of praying even more personal, the book has shaped my idea of the Triune nature of God and the role that the Spirit plays in it. As a result, I feel that I have grown spiritually and emotionally, being ready for a new turn in my progress as a Christian. Being namely, I feel ready to be emotionally open in my praying practice, and I believe that the specified side of spiritual development is worth exploring.