What are the five attributes of God?

As an expert in the field of theology and philosophy, I am well-versed in the various perspectives on the attributes of God across different religious traditions. The question of God's attributes is a complex one, with different faiths and philosophical systems offering a range of interpretations. The Westminster Shorter Catechism, a document from the Reformed tradition, provides a specific enumeration of God's attributes, which serves as a starting point for our discussion.

Step 1: English Answer

God as a Spirit
The first attribute mentioned is that God is a Spirit. This implies that God is not a physical entity but rather an immaterial, non-corporeal being. As a Spirit, God is not confined by the limitations of space and time, which are the constraints that physical entities experience.

Infinite in Being
The attribute of being infinite speaks to the boundlessness of God's existence. God is not limited by size, quantity, or any other measurable quality. This infinity extends to all aspects of God's nature, including knowledge, power, and presence.

Eternal
God's eternity is closely related to the attribute of infinity. It means that God exists outside of time, having no beginning and no end. This eternal nature allows God to be the unchanging observer and participant in all of time's events.

Unchangeable
The unchangeable nature of God suggests that God's character and essence do not and cannot change. This is a key aspect of God's constancy and reliability. It means that God's promises, commandments, and nature remain constant throughout history.

Wisdom
God's wisdom is often seen as the source of all knowledge and understanding. It is the attribute through which God's plans and purposes are ordered and executed with perfect precision.

Power
The attribute of power refers to God's ability to do anything that is logically possible and consistent with God's nature. It is through this power that God is said to uphold the universe and intervene in human affairs.

Holiness
Holiness is the attribute that distinguishes God from all creation. It speaks to the purity, righteousness, and moral perfection of God. Holiness is often associated with the transcendence of God, setting God apart from all else.

Justice
God's justice is the attribute that ensures fairness and equity in all of God's dealings. It is through justice that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked according to their deeds.

Goodness
The attribute of goodness encompasses all that is positive and beneficial. It is through God's goodness that creation exists and is sustained. Goodness is often linked with God's love and mercy.

Truth
Finally, God is described as the embodiment of truth. This means that God cannot deceive, be deceived, or change. Truth is foundational to all of God's attributes and is the basis for all moral and ethical standards.

These attributes are not exhaustive but provide a framework for understanding the nature of God within the context of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. It is important to note that different religious traditions may emphasize or interpret these attributes differently, and philosophical discourse often explores these attributes in greater depth.

Step 2: Divider

Enumeration. The Westminster Shorter Catechism's definition of God is merely an enumeration of his attributes: "God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth."