Article November 20, 2000 Issue

One God

There isn't room for anything more.

By Nathan A. Talbot

The rabbi in the tent next to mine rose early each morning and chanted his prayers. We were serving as chaplains at a Boy Scout Jamboree. I asked him one day the meaning of his words. He explained that 300 times each morning he repeated the Biblical revelation, "The Lord our God is one Lord" (Deut. 6:4).

I was impressed. The words are an interesting contrast to believing in many gods, a belief held by a sizeable portion of the world. But, like the rabbi, I'm a monotheist and have deeply valued Moses' life-work. Through the Ten Commandments, he moved the world to think more seriously about claiming one God instead of many gods.

Those of us who pray regularly still may have much to learn about just how empowered prayer becomes when we deepen our conviction that God is One. Have we perhaps taken for granted the significance of this oneness? Do we think of it rather matter-of-factly—like we think of having one moon instead of many?

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
On bended knees
November 20, 2000
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit