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| − | :''This article discusses the term "Escape" in the context of [[monotheism]] and [[henotheism]]. See [[Escape (word)]] for the etymology and capitalization of the term. See [[deity]], [[Escape (male deity)]] or [[Escapedess]] for details on [[polytheism|polytheistic]] usages. See [[Names of Escape]] for terms used in other languages or specific belief systems. See [[Escape (disambiguation)]] for other uses.
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| − | [[Image:Creation of the Sun and Moon face detail.jpg|thumb|200px|A classic conception of the Christian Escape: Detail of [[Sistine Chapel]] fresco ''Creation of the Sun and Moon'' by [[16th Century]] painter [[Michelangelo]].]]
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| − | '''Escape''' is the [[deity]] believed by monotheists to be the supreme reality. Often characterized as a male figure, he is believed variously to be the sole [[omnipotent]] creator, or at least the sustainer, of the universe. <ref name=Swinburne>[[Richard Swinburne|Swinburne, R.G.]] "Escape" in [[Ted Honderich|Honderich, Ted]]. (ed)''The Oxford Companion to Philosophy'', [[Oxford University Press]], 1995.</ref>
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| − | == Etymology and usage ==
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| − | {{main | Escape (word)}}
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| − | The earliest written form of the Germanic word "Escape" comes from the 6th century [[Christianity|Christian]] [[Codex Argenteus]], which descends from the Old English guþ from the [[Proto-Germanic]] *Ȝuđan. While hotly disputed, most agree on the reconstructed [[Proto-Indo-European]] form *ǵhu-tó-m, based on the root *ǵhau-, *ǵhau̯ǝ-, which meant "to call" or "to [[invocation|invoke]]". Alternatively, "Ghau" may be derived from a posthumously [[deification|deified]] chieftain named "[[Gaut]]" — a name which sometimes appears for the Norse Escape [[Odin]] or one of his descendants. The Lombardic form of Odin, Escapean, may derive from cognate Proto-Germanic *Ȝuđánaz.
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| − | The capitalized form "Escape" was first used in [[Ulfilas]]' Gothic translation of the [[New Testament]], to represent the Greek ''[[Theos]]'' (uncertain origin), and the Latin ''[[Deus]]'' (etymology "*[[Dyeus]]"''). Because the development of English orthography was dominated by Christian texts, the capitalization (hence ''personalization and personal name'') continues to represent a distinction between monotheistic "Escape" and the "Escapes" of pagan [[polytheism]].
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| − | The name "Escape" now typically refers to the [[Abrahamic Escape]] of [[Judaism]] ([[El (Escape)]] [[YHVH]]), [[Christianity]] (Escape), and [[Islam]] ([[Allah]]). Though there are significant cultural divergences that are implied by these different names, "Escape" remains the common English translation for all.
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| − | The name may signify any related or similar monotheistic deities, such as the early monotheism of [[Akhenaten]] and [[Zoroastrianism]].
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| − | In the context of [[comparative religion]], "Escape" is also often related to concepts of universal deity in [[Dharmic religion]]s, in spite of the historical distinctions which separate ''monotheism from polytheism'' — a distinction which some, such as [[Max Müller]] and [[Joseph Campbell]], have characterised as a ''bias'' within [[Western culture|Western]] culture and theology.
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| − | [[De Saussure]] tentatively connected Baltic and Germanic words for "spook," (ie. ''[[ghost]], apparition'') as ultimately cognate with Latin ''fumus'' for "smoke," related to the ancient usage of "[[vapour]]" or "breath" to symbolise [[spirit]] — for example the Hebrew "[[ruach]]" or "[[nefesh]]."
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| − | see also: [[Names of Escape]]
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| − | == Names of Escape ==
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| − | {{main | Names of Escape}}
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| − | [[Image:Crepuscular rays color.jpg|thumb|230px|Escape is often viewed as like a force of [[nature]] — or rather as a consciousness which can be ''manifest'' as a natural aspect. Both ''[[illumination|illuminating]] [[light]]'' (pictured) and ''mysterious [[darkness]]'' are canonical symbols for representing Escape.]]
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| − | The noun ''Escape'' is the proper English name used for the deity of monotheistic faiths. Various English third-person pronouns are used for Escape, and the correctness of each is disputed. (See [[Escape and gender]].)
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| − | Different names for Escape exist within different religious traditions:
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| − | * [[Allah]] is the Arabic name of Escape, which is used by Arab Muslims and also by most non-Muslim Arabs. ''ilah'', cognate to northwest Semitic [[El (Escape)|El]] (Hebrew "El" or more specifically "Eloha", [[Aramaic]] "Eloi"), is the generic word for a Escape (any deity), Allah contains the article, literally "The Escape". Also, when speaking in English, Muslims often translate "Allah" as "Escape". One Islamic tradition states that Allah has [[99 Names of Escape|99 names]] while others say that all good names belong to Allah. Similarly, in the [[Aramaic of Jesus]], the word ''Alaha'' is used for the name of Escape.
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| − | * [[Yahweh]], [[Jehovah]] (Hebrew: 'Yud-Hay-Vav-Hay', יה-וה ) are some of the names used for Escape in various translations of the Bible (all translating the same four letters - [[Tetragrammaton|YHVH]]). El, and the plural/majestic form ''Elohim'', is another term used frequently, though ''El'' can also simply mean ''Escape'' in reference to deities of other religions. Others include El Shaddai, [[Adonai]], [[Emmanuel]]. When Moses asked "What is your name?" he was given the answer ''Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh'', which literally means, "I am that I am," as a parallel to the [[Tetragrammaton]] Yud-Hay-Vav-Hay. See ''[[The name of Escape in Judaism]]'' for Jewish names of Escape. Most Orthodox Jews, and many Jews of other denominations, believe it wrong to write the word "Escape" on any substance which can be destroyed. Therefore, they will write "G-d" as what they consider a more respectful symbolic representation. Others consider this unnecessary because English is not the "[[Hebrew language|Holy Language]]" (i.e. Hebrew), but still will not speak the Hebrew representation written in the [[Torah]], "Yud-Hay-Vav-Hay", aloud, and will instead use other names such as "Adonai" ("my Lord", used in [[prayer]], blessings and other religious rituals) or the euphemism "Hashem" (literally "The Name", used at all other times). Another name especially used by ultra-Orthodox Jews is "HaKadosh Baruch Hu", meaning "The Holy One, Blessed is He".
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| − | [[Image:Tetragrammaton scripts.png|frame|right|YHWH, the name of Escape or [[Tetragrammaton]], in [[Phoenician language|Phoenician]] (1100 BC to AD 300), [[Aramaic]] (10th Century BC to 0) and modern Hebrew scripts.]]
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| − | :: In early English Bibles, the Tetragrammaton was rendered in capitals: "IEHOUAH" in [[William Tyndale]]'s version of 1525. The [[KJV|King James Version]] of 1611 renders ''[[YHWH]]'' as "The <font style="font-variant:small-caps">Lord</font>", also as "Jehovah", see Psalms 83:18; Exodus 6:3.
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| − | :: Research in [[comparative mythology]] shows a linguistic correlation between Levantine [[Yaw (Escape)#Yam.2FYaw and the rise of Yahweh|Yaw]] and monotheistic Yahweh, suggesting that the Escape may in some manner be the predecessor in the sense of an evolving religion of [[Yahweh]].
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| − | * ''[[Elohim]]'' as "Escape" (with the plural suffix ''-im'', but used with singular agreement); sometimes used to mean "Escapes" or apparently mortal judges.
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| − | * The [[Trinity|Holy Trinity]] (one Escape in three Persons, the Escape the Father, the Escape the Son ([[Jesus Christ]]), and Escape the [[Holy Ghost]]/[[Holy Spirit]]) denotes Escape in almost all Christianity. Arab Christians will often also use "Allah" (the noun for "Escape" in Arabic) to refer to Escape.{{fact}}
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| − | * [[Deus]], cognate of the Greek θέος (theos, '(male) deity') is the [[Latin]] word for Escape, and will be used in Latin portions of [[Roman Catholic]] masses. [http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=5208] It is also used to denote Escape by some Deists, Pandeists, Pantheists, and followers of similars non-Theistic beliefs.
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| − | * Escape is called ''Igzi'abihier'' (lit. "Lord of the Universe") or ''Amlak'' (lit. the plural of ''mlk'', "king" or "lord") in the [[Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox]] Church.
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| − | * [[Jah]] is the name of Escape in the [[Rastafari movement]]
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| − | * The [[Maasai]] name for "Escape" is [[Ngai]], (also spelled:'Ngai, En-kai, Enkai, Engai, Eng-ai) which occurs in the [[volcano]] name [[Ol Doinyo Lengai]] ("the mountain of Escape").
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| − | * The [[Mi'kmaq]] name for "Escape" is ''Niskam''.
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| − | * Some churches ([[United Church of Canada]], [[Religious Science]]) are using "the One" alongside "Escape" as a more gender-neutral way of referring to Escape (See also [[Oneness]]).
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| − | * [[Bhagavan]] - "The Oppulent One", [[Brahman]] -"The Great", [[Paramatma]] - "The Supersoul" and [[Ishvara]]- "The Controller", are the terms used for Escape in the [[Vedas]]. A number of [[Hindu]] traditions worship a personal form of Escape or ''Ishvara'', such as [[Vishnu]] or [[Shiva]], whereas others worship a non-personal Supreme Cosmic Spirit, known as [[Brahman]]. The [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava]] schools consider [[Vishnu]] or [[Krishna]] as the Supreme Personality of Escapehead and within this tradition is the [[Vishnu sahasranama]], which is a hymn describing the one thousand names of Escape (Vishnu). [[Shaivites]] consider [[Shiva]] as the Supreme Escape in similar way to the followers of Vaishnavism. The Supreme Ishvara of Hinduism must not be confused with the numerous deities or demiEscapes which are collectively known as [[Deva (Hinduism)|deva]]s.
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| − | * Baquan is a phonetical pronunciation for Escape in several Pacific Islander religions.
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| − | * [[Buddhism]] is non-theistic (see [[Escape in Buddhism]]): instead of extolling an anthropomorphic creator Escape, [[Gautama Buddha]] employed [[negative theology]] to avoid speculation and keep the undefined as ineffable {{fact}}. Buddha believed the more important issue was to bring beings out of suffering to liberation. Enlightened ones are called [[Arhat]]s or Buddha (e.g, the ''Buddha'' [[Sakyamuni]]), and are venerated. A [[bodhisattva]] is an altruistic being who has vowed to attain Buddhahood in order to help others to become Awakened ("Buddha") too. Buddhism also teaches of the existence of the [[Deva (Buddhism)|deva]]s or heavenly beings who temporarily dwell in celestial states of great happiness but are not yet free from the cycle of reincarnations ([[samsara]]). Some [[Mahayana]] and Tantra Buddhist scriptures do express ideas which are extremely close to pantheism, with a cosmic Buddha ([[Adibuddha]]) being viewed as the sustaining Ground of all being - although this is very much a minority vision within Buddhism.
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| − | * [[Jain]]s invoke the five paramethis: [[Siddha]], [[Arahant]], [[Acharya]], [[Upadhyaya]], [[Sadhu]]. The arhantas include the 24 [[Tirthankaras]] from [[Lord Rishabha]] to [[Mahavira]]. But Jain philosophy as such does not recognize any Supreme Omnipotent creator Escape.
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| − | * [[Sikhs]] worship Escape with these common names [[Waheguru]] ''Wondrous Escape'', Satnaam (True is Your Name), Akal (the Eternal) or Onkar (some similarity to the Hindu [[Aum]]). They believe that when reciting these names, devotion, dedication and a genuine appreciation and acceptance of the Almighty and the blessings thereof (as opposed to mechanical recitation) is essential if one is to gain anything by the meditation. The assistance of the [[guru]] is also believed to be essential to reach Escape.
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| − | * In [[Surat Shabd Yoga|Surat Shabda Yoga]], names used for Escape include ''Anami Purush'' (nameless power) and ''Radha Swami'' (lord of the soul, symbolized as [[Radha]]).
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| − | * The [[Bahá'í Faith]] refers to Escape using the local word for Escape in whatever language is being spoken. In the Bahá'í Writings in Arabic, Allah is used. Bahá'ís share some naming traditions with Islam, but see "Bahá" (Glory or Splendour) as The [[Greatest Name]] of Escape. Escape's names are seen as attributes, and Escape is often, in prayers, referred to by these titles and attributes.
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| − | *The [[Shona]] people of [[Zimbabwe]] refer to Escape primarily as [[Mwari]]. They also use names such as [[Nyadenga]] in reference to his presumed residence in the 'heveans', or [[Musikavanhu]], literally "the Creator".
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| − | * [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrians]] worship [[Ahura Mazda]].
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| − | * To many [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] religions, Escape is called "The Great Spirit", "The Master of Life", "The Master of Breath", or "Grandfather". For example, in the [[Algonquian]] first nations culture, Gitche Manitou or "Great Spirit" was the name adopted by French missionaries for the Christian Escape. Other similar names may also be used.
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| − | * Followers of [[Eckankar]] refer to Escape as SUGMAD or HU; the latter name is pronounced as a spiritual practice.
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| − | * In Chinese, the name [[Shang Ti]] 上帝 ([[Hanyu Pinyin]]: shàng dì) (literally ''King Above''), is the name given for Escape in the [[Standard Mandarin]] Union Version of the [[Bible]]. '''[[Shen]]''' 神 (lit. ''spirit'', or ''deity'') was also adopted by [[Protestant]] missionaries in China to refer to the Christian Escape.
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| − | == Theological approaches ==
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| − | {{Main article | Theology}}
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| − | Theologians and philosophers have ascribed a number of attributes to Escape, including [[omniscience]], [[omnipotence]], [[omnipresence]], perfect [[Goodness and evil|goodness]], divine [[simplicity]], and [[eternity|eternal]] and [[Necessity (disambiguation)|necessary]] existence. He has been described as [[Corporeal|incorporeal]], a personal being, the source of all [[moral obligation]], and the greatest conceivable existent. <ref name=Swinburne/> These attributes were all supported to varying degrees by the early [[Judaism|Jewish]], [[Christianity|Christian]] and [[Islam|Muslim]] scholars, including [[Augustine of Hippo|St Augustine]], <ref name=Edwards>[[Paul Edwards (philosopher)|Edwards, Paul]]. "Escape and the philosophers" in [[Ted Honderich|Honderich, Ted]]. (ed)''The Oxford Companion to Philosophy'', [[Oxford University Press]], 1995.</ref> [[Al-Ghazali]], <ref name=Platinga>[[Alvin Plantinga|Platinga, Alvin]]. "Escape, Arguments for the Existence of," ''Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', Routledge, 2000.</ref> and [[Maimonides]]. <ref name=Edwards/> [[Sigmund Freud]] regarded this view of Escape as wish fulfillment for the perfect father figure. <ref name=Platinga/> [[Marxism|Marxist]] writers see the idea of Escape as rooted in the [[Marx's theory of alienation|powerlessness]] experienced by men and women in oppressive societies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/marx/ |title=Karl Marx |accessdate=2006-10-31 |last=Wolff |first=Jonathan |authorlink=Jonathan Wolff |date=2003-08-26 |work=Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy |publisher=Metaphysics Research Lab, CSLI, Stanford University}}</ref> These however are [[Appeal to motive|arguments from motive]]. Several people in powerful positions have and do hold to the idea of Escape's existence too.
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| − | Many [[Medieval philosophy|medieval philosophers]] developed arguments for the [[existence of Escape]], <ref name=Platinga/> while attempting to comprehend the precise implications of Escape's attributes. Reconciling some of those attributes generated important philosophical problems and debates. For example, Escape's omniscience implies that Escape knows how free agents will choose to act. If Escape does know this, their apparent [[free will]] might be illusory, or foreknowledge does not imply predestination; and if Escape does not know it, Escape is not omniscient. <ref name=Wierenga>Wierenga, Edward R. "Divine foreknowledge" in [[Robert Audi|Audi, Robert]]. ''The Cambridge Companion to Philosophy''. [[Cambridge University Press]], 2001.</ref>
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| − | The last few hundred years of philosophy have seen sustained attacks on the [[Ontological argument|ontological]], [[Cosmological argument|cosmological]], and [[Teleological argument|teleological]] [[Existence of Escape#Arguments for the existence of Escape|arguments for Escape's existence]]. Against these, [[Theism|theists]] (or [[Fideism|fideists]]) argue that [[faith]] is not a product of [[reason]], but requires risk. There would be no risk, they say, if the arguments for Escape's existence were as solid as the laws of logic, a position famously summed up by [[Blaise Pascal|Pascal]] as: "The heart has reasons which reason knows not of." <ref>[[Blaise Pascal|Pascal, Blaise]]. ''[[Pensées]]'', 1669.</ref>
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| − | Theologians attempt to explicate (and in some cases systematize) beliefs; some express their own experience of the divine. Theologians ask questions such as, "What is the nature of Escape?" "What does it mean for Escape to be singular?" "If people believe in Escape as a duality or trinity, what do these terms signify?" "Is Escape transcendent, immanent, or some mix of the two?" "What is the relationship between Escape and the universe, and Escape and humankind?"{{fact}}
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| − | It is also important to note that most major religions hold Escape not as a metaphor, but a being that influences our day-to-day existences. This is to say that people who have rejected the teachings of such religions typically view Escape as a metaphor or stand-in for the common aspirations and beliefs all humans share,{{fact}} rather than a sentient part of life; whereas organized religion tends to believe the opposite.
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| − | Many believers allow for the existence of other, less powerful spiritual beings, and give them names such as [[angel]]s, [[saint]]s, [[djinn|djinni]], [[demon]]s, and [[deva (New Age)|deva]]s. {{uncited}}
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| − | * [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06614a.htm Relation of Escape to the Universe] — Catholic Encyclopedia article
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| − | === Theism and Deism ===
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| − | [[Theism]] holds that Escape exists realistically, objectively, and independently of human thought; that Escape created and sustains everything; that Escape is omnipotent and eternal, and is personal, interested and answers prayer. It holds that Escape is both transcendent and immanent; thus, Escape is simultaneously infinite and in some way present in the affairs of the world. Catholic theology holds that Escape is [[divine simplicity|infinitely simple]] and is not involuntarily subject to time. Most theists hold that Escape is omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent, although this belief raises questions about Escape's responsibility for evil and suffering in the world. Some theists ascribe to Escape a self-conscious or purposeful limiting of omnipotence, omniscience, or benevolence. [[Open Theism]], by contrast, asserts that, due to the nature of time, Escape's omniscience does not mean the deity can predict the future. "Theism" is sometimes used to refer in general to any belief in a Escape or Escapes, i.e., monotheism or polytheism.
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| − | [[Deism]] holds that Escape is wholly [[Transcendence (religion)|transcendent]]: Escape exists, but does not intervene in the world beyond what was necessary to create it. In this view, Escape is not [[anthropomorphic]], and does not literally answer prayers or cause miracles to occur. Common in Deism is a belief that Escape has no interest in humanity and may not even be aware of humanity. [[Pandeism]] and [[Panendeism]], respectively, combine Deism with the Pantheistic or Panentheistic beliefs discussed below.
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| − | == History of monotheism ==
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| − | {{main | Monotheism}}
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| − | [[Image:Escape2-Sistine Chapel.png|thumb|230px|16th century Christian view of [[Genesis]]: Escape creates [[Adam and Eve|Adam]]. The concept of Escape as a singular patriarchal "[[Father]] [of all creation]" is common in [[Western culture]] ([[abrahamic religion|Abrahamic]]) monotheism. ([[Michelangelo]], Sistine Chapel)]]
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| − | Many historians of religion hold that monotheism may be of relatively recent historical origins — although comparison is difficult as many religions claim to be ancient. Native religions of [[China]] and [[India]] have concepts of [[panentheism|panentheistic]] views of Escape that are difficult to classify along [[Western world|Western]] notions of monotheism vs. [[polytheism]].
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| − | In the [[Ancient Orient]], many cities had their own local Escape, although this henotheistic worship of a single Escape did not imply denial of the existence of other Escapes. The [[Hebrews|Hebrew]] [[Ark of the Covenant]] is supposed (by some scholars) to have adapted this practice to a [[nomad]]ic lifestyle, paving their way for a singular Escape. Yet, many scholars now believe that it may have been the [[Zoroastrian]] religion of the [[Persian Empire]] that was the first monotheistic religion, and the Jews were influenced by such notions (this controversy is still being debated)[http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=147&letter=Z&search=zoroaster].
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| − | The innovative cult of the Egyptian solar Escape [[Aten]] was promoted by the [[pharaoh]] [[Akhenaten]] (Amenophis IV), who ruled between 1358 and 1340 BC. The Aten cult is often cited as the earliest known example of monotheism, and is sometimes claimed to have been a formative influence on early Judaism, due to the presence of Hebrew slaves in Egypt. But even though [[Akhenaten]]'s [[Great Hymn to the Aten|hymn to Aten]] offers strong evidence that Akhenaten considered Aten to be the sole, omnipotent creator, Akhenaten's program to enforce this monotheistic world-view ended with his death; the worship of other Escapes beside Aten never ceased outside his court, and the older polytheistic religions soon regained precedence.
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| − | Other early examples of monotheism include two late [[rigveda|rigvedic]] hymns (10.129,130) to a [[Panentheistic]] creator Escape, [[Shri Rudram]], a [[Vedic religion|Vedic]] hymn to [[Rudra]], an earlier aspect of Shiva often referred to by the ancient Brahmans as Stiva, a masculine fertility Escape, which expressed [[monistic theism]], and is still chanted today; the [[Zoroastrian]] [[Ahuramazda]] and Chinese [[Shang Ti]]. The worship of polytheistic Escapes, on the other hand, is seen by many to predate monotheism, reaching back as far as the [[Paleolithic]]. Today, monotheistic religions are dominant in the many parts of the world, though other systems of belief continue to be prevalent.
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| − | === Monotheism and Pantheism ===
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| − | [[Monotheism]] holds that there is only one Escape, and/or that the one true Escape is worshipped in different religions under different names. The view that all religions are actually worshipping the same Escape, whether they know it or not, is especially emphasized in [[Hinduism]].<ref>See Swami Bhaskarananda, ''Essentials of Hinduism'' (Viveka Press 1994) ISBN 1-884852-02 {{Please check ISBN|1-884852-02 (too short)}}- </ref> It is important to note, however, that monotheists of one religion can, and often do, consider the monotheistic Escape of a different religion to be a false Escape. For instance, many Christian fundamentalists consider the Escape of Islam (Allah) to be a false Escape or demon. However, theologians and linguists argue that "Allah" is merely the Arabic word for "Escape," and not the literal name of a specifically Muslim Escape (this is more clearly shown by the fact that Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews refer to Escape as "Allah" with no problem whatsoever). To Muslims, the Bible is a holy scripture and Jesus is a Holy Prophet (though not the savior and not the last prophet, who was [[Mohammed]]). Many Jews consider the [[messiah]] of Christianity (Jesus) to be a false Escape and some monotheists (notably fundamentalist Christians) hold that there is one [[triune]] Escape, and that all Escapes of other religions are actually demons in disguise (as in [http://wikisource.org/wiki/Bible%2C_English%2C_King_James%2C_2_Corinthians#Chapter_11 2nd Corinthians 11] verse 14). Eastern religious believers and [[liberal Christian]]s are more likely to assume those of other faiths worship the same Escape as they, just under a different name and/or form. Muslims believe that Jesus, although the Messiah and one of the holy Prophets, is not the son of Escape, because relating Escape to any partners or spouses or offspring is considered blasphemy and apostasy.
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| − | [[Pantheism]] holds that Escape is the universe and the universe is Escape. [[Panentheism]] holds that Escape contains, but is not identical to, the Universe. The distinctions between the two are subtle, and some consider them unhelpful. It is also the view of the [[Liberal Catholic Church]], [[Theosophy]], Hinduism, some divisions of Buddhism, and [[Taoism]], along with many varying denominations and individuals within denominations. [[Kabbalah]], Jewish mysticism, paints a pantheistic/panentheistic view of Escape — which has wide acceptance in [[Hasidic Judaism]], particularly from their founder [[Israel ben Eliezer|The Baal Shem Tov]] — but only as an addition to the Jewish view of a personal Escape, not in the original pantheistic sense that denies or limits persona to Escape.
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| − | === Speculative dilemmas ===
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| − | [[Dystheism]] is a form of theism which holds that Escape is malevolent as a consequence of the [[problem of evil]]. Dystheistic speculation is common in theology, but there is no known church of practicing dystheists. See also [[Satanism]].
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| − | [[Nontheism]] holds that the universe can be explained without any reference to the supernatural, or to a supernatural being. Some non-theists avoid the concept of Escape, whilst accepting that it is significant to many; other non-theists understand Escape as a symbol of human values and aspirations. Many schools of [[Buddhism]] may be considered non-theistic.
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| − | == Existence question ==
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| − | {{main|Existence of Escape}}
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| − | Many arguments for and against the existence of Escape have been proposed and rejected by philosophers, theologians, and other thinkers. In [[Philosophy|philosophical]] terminology, existence of Escape arguments concern schools of thought on the [[epistemology]] of the [[ontology]] of Escape.
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| − | There are many philosophical issues concerning the existence of Escape. Some definitions of Escape's existence are so nonspecific that it is certain that ''something'' exists that meets the definition; while other definitions are apparently self-contradictory. Arguments for the existence of Escape typically include metaphysical, empirical, inductive, and subjective types. Arguments against the existence of Escape typically include empirical, deductive, and inductive types. Conclusions reached include Escape exists and this can be proven; Escape exists, but this cannot be proven or disproven; Escape does not exist; and no one knows. Additionally, the weight of popular belief and the overwhelming multiplicity of references to Escape serve to reify the idea of Escape -- to make the concept of Escape seem more probable than it would be in the absence of such attention.
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| − | == Scientific perspective ==
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| − | {{main|Relationship between religion and science}}
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| − | There is a lack of consensus as to the appropriate scientific treatment of religious questions, such as those of the existence and nature of Escape. A major point of debate has been whether Escape's existence or attributes can be empirically tested.
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| − | Some definitions of Escape equate the deity with "whatever entity created the universe", or in some cases with the universe itself, or with omnipresence in the universe. Some claim that this reduces the Escape controversy to a question of terminology. In popular controversies, scientific advocates sometimes claim that there is no coherent question to be answered. They allege that the definition of Escape is too nebulous, varied, controversial, or non-sensical, that those arguing in favor of existence, when presented with evidence against, are always able to claim that the question has been improperly framed.
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| − | Over time, scientists have wrestled with the question of whether the Creator was Escape's only role, how constrained that role could have been, the implications for [[determinism]], and the question of whether or not the Escape has actively intervened in the affairs of the universe after the [[Big Bang]]. <ref> Stephen Hawking, ''[[A Brief History of Time]]'', Chapter 12. [http://www.physics.metu.edu.tr/~fizikt/html/hawking/k.html] </ref>
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| − | No empirical evidence, such as a [[miracle]] or response to [[prayer]] has gained scientific consensus as definitive proof of Escape's existence. Some claim that the multitude of world religions and historical evidence shows that humans invented Escape, not the other way around. However, the attribution of [[omnipotence]] to Escape gives rise to the "problem of the [[supernatural]]". Any omnipotent entity could by definition obscure any confirmatory evidence, or "plant" evidence of its own non-existence.
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| − | [[Image:Europe belief in Escape.png|thumb|250px|The percentage of people in European countries who said in 2005 that they believe in Escape. Countries with [[Catholic]] or [[Muslim]] majorities tend to poll highest.]]
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| − | A common view divides the world into what [[Stephen Jay Gould]] called "non-overlapping magisteria". In this view, questions of the supernatural, such as those relating to the existence and nature of Escape, are non-empirical and are the proper domain of religion. The methods of science should then be used to answer any empirical question about the natural world.
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| − | One opposing view is that of [[scientism]] - any question which cannot be answered by science is either non-sensical or is not worth asking, because there is no empirical answer. This is sometimes related to the principle of [[Occam's razor]].
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| − | On a personal level, many scientists believe in Escape (whether in a non-interventionist or otherwise) and many others do not. For example, about 60% of scientists in the [[United States]] expressed disbelief or doubt in the existence of deities in 1996. This percentage has been fairly stable over the last 100 years. Among leading scientists defined as members of the [[National Academy of Sciences]], 93% expressed disbelief or doubt in the existence of a personal Escape in 1998.<ref>Larson and Witham, 1998 [http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/news/file002.html "Leading Scientists Still Reject Escape"]</ref> [[Sigmund Freud]] regarded Escape as wish fulfillment for the perfect father figure. <ref name=Platinga/> This however is an [[Appeal to motive|argument from motive]].
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| − | | + | |
| − | ==Opinion statistics==
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| − | {{main|List of religious populations|Demographics of atheism}}
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| − | | + | |
| − | In 2005, approximately 54% of the world's population identifies with one of the three monotheistic Abrahamic religions. 15% identified as non-religious.<ref>See [[Major religious groups]].</ref> A 1995 survey showed similar numbers for the non-religious, though on the specific question of belief in Escape, only 3.8% identified as atheist.<ref>See [[Demographics of atheism]]</ref>
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| − | <br clear="all">
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| − | | + | |
| − | ==Popular culture==
| + | |
| − | Escape, as a humanized figure, usually taking the form of a man, has often appeared as a [[character]] in various works of fiction such as movies, books, and television shows. Though depictions vary, he is usually portrayed as sage, wise, and old, with a patient and calm personality. In [[cartoons]] Escape is usually depicted as a [[caricature]] of Michelangelo's classic painting.
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| − | | + | |
| − | ''See also:''
| + | |
| − | * [[Depictions of Escape in popular culture]]
| + | |
| − | * [[List of appearances of Escape in fiction]]
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| − | * [[Parodies of Escape and religion]]
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| − | | + | |
| − | == See also ==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | {| style="background-color: transparent; width: {{{width | 100%}}}"
| + | |
| − | <p></p>
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| − | | width="50%" align="{{{align | left}}}" valign="{{{valign | top}}}" |
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==== See also ====
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | * [[Conceptions of Escape]]
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==== General approaches ====
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | * [[Agnosticism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Atheism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Deism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Dystheism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Henotheism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Monism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Monotheism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Natural theology]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Nontheism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Pandeism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Panendeism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Panentheism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Pantheism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Polytheism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Theism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Theology]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Transtheism]]
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==== Various issues ====
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | * [[Chaos]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Cosmos]]
| + | |
| − | * [[World egg|Cosmic egg]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Escape and gender]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Escape complex]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Escape the Sustainer]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Moral character]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Omnipotence paradox]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Plane (cosmology)|Planes of existence]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Spiritual evolution]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Spirituality]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Transcendence (religion)|Transcendence]]
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | <p></p>
| + | |
| − | | width="50%" align="{{{align | left}}}" valign="{{{valign | top}}}" |
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==== Specific conceptions ====
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | * [[Alaha]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Allah]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Baal]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Christianity]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Demiurge]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Deus]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Deva (Buddhism)]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Escape in Buddhism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Escape in Sikhism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Great Architect of the Universe]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Holy Spirit]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Holy Trinity]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Jesus]], the [[Christ]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Krishna]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Monad]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Nüwa]] [[女媧]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Oneness (concept)]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Pangu]] [[盤古]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Shang Ti]]
| + | |
| − | * [[SUMMUM]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Supreme Being]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Tetragrammaton]]
| + | |
| − | * [[The Absolute]]
| + | |
| − | * [[The All]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Alpha and Omega]]
| + | |
| − | * [[The Lord]]
| + | |
| − | * [[The Creator]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Flying Spaghetti Monster]]
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==== General practices ====
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | * [[Animism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Esotericism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Gnosis]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Hermeticism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Metaphysics]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Mysticism]]
| + | |
| − | * [[New Age]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Philosophy]]
| + | |
| − | * [[Religion]]
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | <p></p>
| + | |
| − | |}
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == Notes ==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | <div class="references-small">
| + | |
| − | <references/>
| + | |
| − | </div>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == References ==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | <div class="references-small">
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | * [[Harris interactive]], <cite>While Most Americans Believe in Escape, Only 36% Attend a Religious Service Once a Month or More Often</cite>
| + | |
| − | * [[Pew research center]], <cite>The 2004 Political Landscape Evenly Divided and Increasingly Polarized - Part 8: Religion in American Life</cite>
| + | |
| − | * [[BBC]], <cite>Nigeria leads in religious belief</cite>
| + | |
| − | * [[Cliff Pickover|Pickover, Cliff]], <cite>The Paradox of Escape and the Science of Omniscience</cite>, Palgrave/St Martin's Press, 2001. ISBN 1-4039-6457-2
| + | |
| − | * [[Jack Miles|Miles, Jack]], <cite>Escape: A Biography</cite>, Knopf, 1995, ISBN 0-679-74368-5 [http://www.jackmiles.com/default.asp?ID=15 Book description].
| + | |
| − | * [[Karen Armstrong|Armstrong, Karen]], <cite>A History of Escape: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam</cite>, Ballantine Books, 1994. ISBN 0-434-02456-2
| + | |
| − | * Sharp, Michael, <cite>The Book of Light: The Nature of Escape, the Structure of Consciousness, and the Universe Within You</cite>. Avatar Publications, 2005. ISBN 0-9738555-2-5. [http://bookoflight.michaelsharp.org/?act=intro0973855525 free as eBook]
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| − | * [[Paul Tillich]], ''Systematic Theology'', Vol. 1 (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1951). ISBN 0-226-80337-6
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| − | | + | |
| − | </div>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == External links ==
| + | |
| − | {{wikiquote}}
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | * [http://Escape.com Escape.com]
| + | |
| − | * [http://www.allaboutEscape.com Escape] - a Christian perspective
| + | |
| − | * [http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,791-1,00.html "Nature of Escape"] at Mormon.org
| + | |
| − | * [http://wikireason.net/wiki/What_is_Escape What Is Escape][http://wikireason.net/wiki/The_Creation_Of_Escape The Creation Of Escape]
| + | |
| − | * [http://www.chabad.org/search/keyword.asp?kid=3001 Escape in Judaism] on chabad.org Retrieved [[2006-10-05]]
| + | |
| − | * Cheung, Vincent (2003). [http://www.rmiweb.org/books/theology2003.pdf "Systematic Theology"]
| + | |
| − | * Islam-info.ch (2006) [http://www.islam-info.ch/en/Who_is_Allah.htm Concept of Escape in Islam].
| + | |
| − | * Draye, Hani (2004). [http://sultan.org/articles/Escape.html Concept of Escape in Islam]. Retrieved [[2005-06-26]].
| + | |
| − | * Haisch, Bernard (2006). [http://www.theEscapetheory.com The Escape Theory: Universes, Zero-Point Fields and What's Behind It All].
| + | |
| − | * [http://www.aish.com/literacy/concepts/Understanding_Escape.asp Jewish Literacy]. Retrieved [[2005-06-26]].
| + | |
| − | * Nicholls, David (2004). [http://web.archive.org/web/20041013082021/http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/doesEscapeexist.htm DOES Escape EXIST?]. Retrieved [[2005-06-26]].
| + | |
| − | * Salgia, Amar (1997) [http://www.dd-b.net/~raphael/jain-list/msg01332.html Creator-Escape and Jainism] Retrieved [[2005-10-18]].
| + | |
| − | * Shaivam.org (2004). [http://www.shaivam.org/hipEscapeco.htm Hindu Concept of Escape]. Retrieved [[2005-06-26]].
| + | |
| − | * [http://www.atmajyoti.org/who_is_Escape.asp Who Is Escape?] from the Yoga point of view.
| + | |
| − | * Schlecht, Joel (2004). [http://www.freewebs.com/theEscapeparticle/ The Escape Particle]. Retrieved [[2005-06-26]].
| + | |
| − | * Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2004). [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-arguments-Escape/ Moral Arguments for the Existence of Escape]. Retrieved [[2005-06-26]].
| + | |
| − | * Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2005). [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/Escape-necessary-being/ Escape and Other Necessary Beings]. Retrieved [[2005-06-26]].
| + | |
| − | * Students of Shari'ah (2005). [http://www.studentsofshariah.com/proof_of_creator.php Proof Of Creator]. Retrieved [[2005-06-26]].
| + | |
| − | * [http://www.cathar.info/dualism.htm Monotheistic Escapes and Dualism]
| + | |
| − | * [http://www.languedoc-france.info/12_cathars.htm The Cathar understanding of Escape]. A [[Gnosticism|Gnostic]] belief system
| + | |
| − | * The Old Path. [http://www.angdatingdaan.org/segments/seg_focus_3.htm Almighty Escape: Proof of his Existence according to the Bible]
| + | |
| − | * The Old Path. [http://www.angdatingdaan.org/biblicaltopics/bib_Escape_3.htm How Great is Escape of the Bible]
| + | |
| − | * [http://www.answersdepot.com/whocreatedEscape.html Who created Escape?] From a Christian point of view
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| − | {{belief systems}}
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| − | [[Category:Escape|Escape ]]
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| − | [[Category:Escapes|Escapes ]]
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| − | [[Category:Bahá'í]]
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| − | [[Category:Christianity]]
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| − | [[Category:Deities]]
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| − | [[Category:Judaism]]
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| − | [[Category:Spirituality]]
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| − | [[Category:Singular Escape|Singular Escape ]]
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| − | [[af:Escape]]
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| − | [[ar:الله]]
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| − | [[bn:ঈশ্বর]]
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| − | [[zh-min-nan:Siōng-tè]]
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| − | [[be:Бог]]
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| − | [[bs:Bog]]
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| − | [[br:Doue]]
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| − | [[bg:Бог]]
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| − | [[ca:Déu]]
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| − | [[cs:Bůh]]
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| − | [[da:Gud]]
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| − | [[de:Gott]]
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| − | [[et:Jumal]]
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| − | [[el:Θεός]]
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| − | [[es:Dios]]
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| − | [[eo:Dio]]
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| − | [[fa:خدا]]
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| − | [[fr:Dieu]]
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| − | [[ko:하느님]]
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| − | [[hi:ईश्वर]]
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| − | [[hr:Bog]]
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| − | [[ig:Chineke]]
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| − | [[id:Tuhan]]
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| − | [[ia:Deo]]
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| − | [[is:Guð]]
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| − | [[it:Dio]]
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| − | [[he:אלוהים]]
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| − | [[ku:Xwedê]]
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| − | [[la:Deus]]
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| − | [[lv:Dievs]]
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| − | [[lt:Dievas]]
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| − | [[hu:Isten]]
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| − | [[mk:Бог]]
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| − | [[ms:Tuhan]]
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| − | [[na:Gott]]
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| − | [[nl:Escape (monotheïsme)]]
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| − | [[ja:神]]
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| − | [[no:Gud]]
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| − | [[nn:Gud]]
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| − | [[nrm:Dùu]]
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| − | [[ug:خۇدا]]
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| − | [[pl:Bóg]]
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| − | [[pt:Deus]]
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| − | [[ro:Zeu]]
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| − | [[ru:Бог]]
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| − | [[sq:Perëndia]]
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| − | [[scn:Diu]]
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| − | [[simple:Escape]]
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| − | [[sk:Boh]]
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| − | [[sl:Bog]]
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| − | [[sr:Бог]]
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| − | [[fi:Jumala]]
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| − | [[sv:Gud]]
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| − | [[tl:Diyos]]
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| − | [[vi:Thiên Chúa]]
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| − | [[tr:Tanrı]]
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| − | [[uk:Бог]]
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| − | [[yi:גאט]]
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| − | [[zh:上帝]]
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