God is love, that's pretty plain, too. Jesus Christ embodies everything the father is, but he is not him. Only a fool, or an idiot, would make the leap of logic that he is
I always thought John 1:1 was obvious. Almost repetitive. But as I read your statement, I realize that John was saying much more than I thought he was.
Let's start with a simple understanding that "The Word" is referring to Jesus. I think you will agree with me on that. Now that that is settled, then we can go on to the next part: "In the beginning". That is, before creation. As far back as you go, "The Word" was there. So he was there in the beginning. "The Word was with God". This part is very important concerning your "God is Love" statement. WITH God indicates he is distinct from God. Clearly "The Word" is not just an attribute of God, He is distinctly separate from God. "The Word was God". Very simple, and exactly what it sounds like. The Word was, from the beginning, God. So he is clearly distinct from God in one way and yet he IS God - that is, he embodies all the character of God.
You can call it whatever you want to (since "Trinity" seems to be a dirty word), but John is concisely saying that "The Word" was before all things, he is distinct from God, and yet he IS God. If that wasn't clear enough, you can jump down to verse 18, where it is repeated:
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
That doesn't sound to me like a "leap of logic". It sounds to like John makes it painstakingly clear. He repeats himself. Several times.
Now, as plainly as that truth is stated, you've solidified in your mind that Jesus is NOT God. So, instead of calling names (fool, idiot, judgmental, "biggest lie ever", etc.) why don't you tell us who Jesus really is, according to you? I know who John says he is. Who do you say he is?
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