When we are thinking-about the nature of God (probably the single most important thing anybody needs to think-about), as with thinking about any subject: assumptions dictate outcomes.
Metaphysics is primary.
And if we are making several assumptions about 'what kind of a thing' God must be; then that is what will be found.
This statement about assumptions dictating outcomes is not because of errors in reasoning, nor from dishonestly twisting the argument; I am here assuming the Best Case Scenario of correct and honest reasoning.
Even when we assume there no errors of reasoning; and (which is also frequent) no errors in asserting the real-world applicability of abstract thinking - even then, assumptions dictate possible outcomes.
...Because reason is just like a 'bridge' between assumptions and conclusions. Where we build the bridge from, determines where it can arrive - no matter how solidly that bridge is constructed.
In other words, we cannot discover the nature of God by reading the Bible, or by studying the evidence of nature, or by examining the human condition or human society... or from any source of 'information' or any kind of 'evidence'.
None are any use in telling us what really is the nature of God.
Because: what counts as evidence, and how we interpret it, is dictated by the assumptions we bring to it.
This is a particularly important issue for Modern Men, because we often approach God from the position of assuming that there is no God; and that everything which possibly happens (now, everywhere, past ad future) is and must-be either random and meaningless; or determined in accordance with science.
If that is what we assume, then we can never discover God.
Furthermore; if someone is instead religious, and comes to the discussion of God with assumptions about what God must be like (to count as really God): then that kind of God is what he will find (or else what he finds will not count as God).
The lesson is simple; which is to be aware of the assumptions you bring to this task of understanding God.
And make Absolutely Sure that you personally - by your deepest intuitions - believe these are the correct and only assumptions you endorse.
Otherwise, you will just be fooling-yourself.
