The Holy Ghost

[Lotar]

I've noticed that when many people speak of the Holy Spirit they speak of it as some mysterious force that gives them certian abilities, powers, etc. It usually sounds almost like "the force" from Star Wars, like a thing, instead of the third person of the Trinity.

Does anyone else notice this, or am I just crazy?

 

[Metanoia02]

I guess the name Holy Ghost throws people

 

[racer]

Um . . . . you're crazy?

 

[Bulldog]

I guess I know what you mean. I go to an AoG school (very Wof) so I'm exposed to a lot of this. Personally, I think that spiritual gifts have died down form the tme of the Apostles.

But that's just my opinion.

 

[Brooke]

It is easy to regard the Holy Spirit as being more a force than God Himself. But He is in fact the Spirit of Jesus and God, who comes into each of our hearts as a Helper. I'm sure the name Holy Ghost would discourage some people, but I wouldn't know for sure. At any rate, I don't use that particular term. I think Holy Spirit sounds nicer.

 

[Bro. Gabriel]

Wait, are you saying the Holy Spirit doesn't give us certain abilities or powers?

 

[Lotar]

Wait, are you saying the Holy Spirit doesn't give us certain abilities or powers?

I'm saying that people equivalate it with some magical force, instead of being God.

 

[Kripost]

I've noticed that when many people speak of the Holy Spirit they speak of it as some mysterious force that gives them certian abilities, powers, etc. It usually sounds almost like "the force" from Star Wars, like a thing, instead of the third person of the Trinity.

Does anyone else notice this, or am I just crazy?

You mean some people think that the Holy Spirit has no will, is not eternal, and cannot be blasphemed against? or that it is subordinate to our wills too?

Yes. I have met people who think that way.
(side note: Do you think it is a good idea to show them the Nicene Creed?)

 

[Phoebe]

I'm saying that people equivalate it with some magical force, instead of being God.

I've noticed it among a handful of people.

And yes, you're crazy.

 

[Bulldog]

And yes, you're crazy.

And it has nothing to do with this thread.

 

[JVAC]

Holy Ghost

This was the name He was called when I was a little kid, so for the longest time, I thought the Holy Ghost was a little dove that lived on pillows!! My childhood is actually quite amusing, I remember being in parades for St. Anthony, wherein I actually got to hold the pillow!!

Back on topic, I never really noticed it too much, but that is probably because I am dense.

-James

 

[Bulldog]

Off Topic, but for some reason it seems that the LDS are big on calling the Holy Spirit the Holy Ghost. Hmm.

 

[Philip]

Off Topic, but for some reason it seems that the LDS are big on calling the Holy Spirit the Holy Ghost. Hmm.

Probably due to their preference for the KJV.

 

[JVAC]

Does anyone know the original aramaic that was probably used? Greek might be second hand, but it could be useful too. (Sorry, now we are getting really off topic.)

-James

 

[Lotar]

And yes, you're crazy.

I feared as much

 

[Lotar]

I like saying Holy Ghost because it sounds better when you say, "In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen."

 

[Nickolai]

Why is the Greek second hand? The New testament was written in Greek.
Anyway, here is the greek:

πνευματος αγιου

πνευμα(Pneuma):

1) the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal,
coeternal with the Father and the Son
1a) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his
personality and character (the Holy Spirit)
1b) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his work
and power (the Spirit of Truth )
1c) never referred to as a depersonalised force
2) the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated
2a) the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels,
thinks, decides
2b) the soul
3) a spirit, i.e. a simple essence, devoid of all or at least
all grosser matter, and possessed of the power of knowing,
desiring, deciding, and acting
3a) a life giving spirit
3b) a human soul that has left the body
3c) a spirit higher than man but lower than God, i.e. an angel
3c1) used of demons, or evil spirits, who were conceived
as inhabiting the bodies of men
3c2) the spiritual nature of Christ, higher than the highest
angels and equal to God, the divine nature of Christ
4) the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul
of any one
4a) the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc.
5) a movement of air (a gentle blast)
5a) of the wind, hence the wind itself
5b) breath of nostrils or mouth

αγιου (Hagio)

1) most holy thing, a saint