The concept of Divine goodness in Christianity
Divine goodness is a central concept across various religious traditions, including Christianity and its branches such as Protestantism and Catholicism. It encapsulates the inherent kindness and generosity of God towards humanity, emphasizing His benevolent nature. This goodness is demonstrated in God's care, provision, and salvific acts, as well as the miracles bestowed upon individuals. Divine goodness serves as the ultimate moral standard and reflects God's will for creation, promoting the welfare of all beings and leading them towards spiritual fulfillment.
Synonyms: Divine grace, Sacred virtue, Holiness, Benevolence, Compassion, Grace, Sanctity, Purity, Virtue, Divinity, Godliness, Righteousness, Sacred kindness, Celestial goodness, Divine righteousness, Kindness, Mercy, Magnanimity, Altruism, Charity, Beneficence
In Finnish: Jumalallinen hyvyys; In Spanish: Bondad divina; In Malay: Kebaikan Ilahi; In German: Göttliche Güte; In Dutch: Goddelijke goedheid; In Swedish: Gudomlig godhet; In French: La bonté divine
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 goodness'
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) God's goodness is the cause of things, not by natural necessity, but by His free-will, and therefore He might not have produced things into existence or preserved them in existence.[1] (2) Divine goodness is the foundation of charity, and it is the source of the love that is directed towards God, and it is the object of happiness, which has a special aspect of good.[2] (3) The perfection of divine goodness is found in a single, simple thing, suggesting that the qualities of God are not divided or found in multiple parts.[3] (4) The inherent nature of God, described as the highest good, which is discussed in the context of why God would choose to become human.[4] (5) The essential nature of God, from which corporeal beings derive their worth and position.[5]
From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis
(1) This is the source from which the Friar John of Alvernia received wonderful comforts and revelations, particularly during the festivals of Christ.[6] (2) This is the force that withdrew the light and fire of Divine love from the individual after three years.[7] (3) Refers to the divine nature that enabled miracles to be performed through Friar James' merits after his death.[8]
From: The city of God
(1) The text describes the divine goodness, and states that it is the reason for the world's creation, and that good creatures should be made by a good God.[9] (2) This phrase emphasizes the benevolent nature of a higher power that has given man things to please the eye and serve purposes.[10]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) This is a characteristic of God that the author wants to make sure is shown to those who have been hurt by Marcianus.[11] (2) This refers to the attributes of God, and the author is considering this as rational; it should be as rational as they are natural, and it is important to have reason in it.[12] (3) The quality of God being inclined to reward innocence and favor, even when the recipients lack merit or good deeds.[13] (4) The quality of being good that is expected to operate from the outset of existence, providing relief from evil and sin.[14] (5) The inherent kindness and generosity of God, which is reflected in His creation and offerings to humanity.[15]
From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite
(1) This refers to the beneficent works of God, which are worthy of devout praise, and the Divine Goodness is also reverently portrayed in the varied composition of the Hierarchical symbols, and is also the source of the Divine.[16] (2) This is the quality that becomes the manifestation of the God-incarnate work of the Lord Jesus to the world for its salvation, and which Gabriel instructed Zachariah that his son should be a prophet of.[17] (3) The supremely Divine Goodness refers to the ultimate benevolence and kindness of God, which is sought through prayer and invoked for the remission of faults.[18] (4) The inherent kindness and generosity of God towards humanity.[19] (5) The inherent quality of the Divine that expresses love and generosity towards humanity.[20]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The sacred dances were performed on anniversaries and other occasions of commemorating a special token of this, and favor, as a means of drawing forth lively expressions of joy and thanksgiving.[21] (2) The concept that the ingredient of salt in incense (perfume) symbolizes God's blessings and goodness towards mankind.[22] (3) The benevolent care and provision of God towards the Jews, especially during their wandering in the desert, which is commemorated during the feast.[23]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) Divine goodness and love cannot find a way by which the unclean shall dwell with the clean, highlighting the need for cleansing and redemption through faith.[24] (2) The longing for this is part of the process of achieving a pure heart. It involves opening the heart for its reception. It is a key component in the journey toward spiritual purification and the ability to see God.[25]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) Refers to the inherent kindness and generosity of God towards humanity, particularly seen in the act of salvation.[26]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) A characteristic of God that represents ultimate kindness and benevolence towards all creatures.[27] (2) Implies the quality of goodness attributed to God, distinguishing it from the varied goodness found in creation.[28] (3) The inherent benevolence of God, which remains unaffected by the existence of sin.[29] (4) The attribute of God characterized by His mercy and care for His creation, often manifested through acts that ultimately promote the welfare of His people.[30] (5) God's inherent quality of benevolence and moral virtue.[31]
The concept of Divine goodness in local and regional sources
Divine goodness encompasses the belief in a benevolent spiritual force inspiring faith, assistance, healing, and salvation, as seen in its influence on King Oswy, King Ethelbert, and the monks of Hii amidst life's challenges.
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The source of assistance prayed for to support King Oswy in all good works, emphasizing the importance of faith and divine support.[32] (2) Divine Goodness is the subject of the works that the Devil is the jealous foe of, as mentioned in the letter's teachings.[33] (3) This term refers to a divine entity that was pleased to reveal a vision to a king, influencing him to accept salvation, indicating a benevolent and guiding force.[34] (4) The belief in a benevolent spiritual force that influences the events of life, including Adamnan's death before another Easter season.[35] (5) The benevolence of Almighty God, which is believed to endow grace and favor upon King Ethelbert.[36]