When Thomas referred to Jesus as 'my Lord and my God' in John 20:28, he was actually using a figure of speech to imply that Jesus is 'godlike' but not God.

Dr. Jamal Badawi argues that Thomas' declaration in John 20:28 should be interpreted as a figure of speech, suggesting that 'my God' means 'godlike' rather than a literal acknowledgment of Jesus as God. However, this interpretation lacks support from credible scholarship and misrepresents the original Greek text. The phrase 'my Lord and my God' is a straightforward confession of faith, recognizing Jesus' divine authority and nature. Moreover, the use of the term 'hendiadys' to suggest that Thomas was merely intensifying the term 'Lord' is a misapplication of the figure of speech. In the context of the passage, Thomas encounters the resurrected Christ and responds with a declaration of worship, which is consistent with the understanding of Jesus' divinity throughout the New Testament. Additionally, the claim that this interpretation is supported by a Christian theologian, Victor Paul Wierwille, is problematic as Wierwille's teachings are associated with a cult that distorts traditional Christian beliefs. Therefore, relying on such sources undermines the credibility of the argument against Jesus' divinity. The overwhelming consensus among mainstream Christian scholars affirms that Thomas' declaration is a profound acknowledgment of Jesus as both Lord and God, aligning with the broader theological understanding of Christ's nature as presented in Scripture.