Why does Genesis describe the plurality of God?

Pastor Chris,

GENESIS cHAPTER ONE; VERSE 26- pLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS. AND GOD SAID, “LET uS MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE”. “TO OUR LIKENESS”. I THINK YOU KNOW WHERE I AM GOING WITH THIS. I GREW UP A CATHOLIC. I READ THE CATHOLIC BIBLE FROM COVER TO COVER. ONLY RECENTLY DID I NOTICE THE “us” (THE U IN CAPS) AND THE “OUR”. WHAT IS THE BIBLE TRYING TO TELL US? I BELIEVE IT WAS JUST GOD BACK THEN, BUT I MAY BE WRONG. IF I AM, WHY THE PLULARITY? I HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS DISCUSSED BEFORE, IN CATHOLIC CHURCH OR ANY OTHER DENOMONATION. I WOULD LIKE YOUR INTERPRETATION OF THIS SIMPLE YET HUGE PART (AT LEAST TO ME) OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE,

~ KURK

Answer

Kurk,

The plurality reference to God that you identify in Genesis is the first mention of what theologians term the Godhead. The Godhead is further revealed in Scripture as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We often use the term Trinity to refer to the Godhead. All three persons within the Godhead are co-eternal and co-equal. God the Father is God. God the Son is God. And God the Holy Spirit is God.

You mention that you are a Catholic. You might consider reading the book titled The Trinity: An Introduction to Catholic Doctrine on the Triune God (Thomistic Ressourcement). Another resource (one that I highly recommend) is Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine.

Pastor Chris