This posting is a response to the question from a young friend, “Where did God come from?” When people ask such questions, I assume they are serious, and I want to respond in what I hope is a helpful way.
We need to start with what you’ve learned about God. Since I don’t have you sitting next to me, I’ll assume that what you know about God comes from what you’ve been taught and from your own perception of a greater, unexplainable presence in your life. What you have learned may be helpful, but the final answer has to come from within you, and it must be an answer that works for you.
If you think of God as separate from you, like a parent or friend, you will probably try to conceptualize God in human terms – lives somewhere (up there), looks and thinks kinda like us, has a beginning and an end. On the other hand, if you think of God as spirit, manifested in all of creation (even those parts we don’t know about), then God has to be much more than any human can possibly conceptualize or understand. Someone once said that for humans to comprehend God is like a grain of sand on the beach trying to comprehend the ocean.
As human creatures, we are limited by the capacity of our minds. We tend to think in 3-dimensional, sequential terms. Our eyes tell us that everything has depth, width, height, etc. Our experience tells us that everything can be measured by time – hours, days, years, etc. So, we can’t conceptualize in our mind’s eye anything that has no beginning and no end, or is pure, limitless spirit. No human has the capacity to think beyond the limits of their mind. So, our God-concept is developed and confined within the limits of our minds, and, along with everything else in our minds, becomes a resource for living, useful or not depending on our felt needs.
I believe (because my mind tells me to) that God as creator has no beginning and no end. In fact, I'm not sure that you or I do either, except in human terms. That’s what “infinite” means. I can’t conceptualize the properties of “infinity.” When Jesus speaks of "eternal life," I think of infinity. I think of God as an eternal presence which I can experience as I live my life on Earth if I am tuned to that presence. And I believe that Jesus provided a glimpse of the nature of God. But I also believe that you offer me a glimpse of God as you open yourself to God’s presence in your own life. I also experience God in all of the wonder of nature, not only as creator, but also as resident within me and in all of creation, purposing that we be as one. Only then can we achieve our greatest potential and make our greatest contribution. And I believe that God does not create incompletely, and that all I need to live abundantly is available to me on planet Earth. I can hoard it, or I can share it so others can also live abundantly.
So, where does God come from? God only knows. It's a question for us humans only because we think there has to be a beginning, a place, and a person like us.
As an afterthought, I would suggest that the god that many acknowledge is a projection of their own minds suited to their own needs, an on-demand god generally accessible through prayer, relating to us as would a super parent (rewarding, punishing, etc.).
So much for a one-way conversation. I’m sure I’ve left you with questions, perhaps more than you had. Wanna make it a two-way conversation?
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
God as Presence
A very interesting discussion today with fellow spiritual seekers (in a Christian venue) leads me to post this blog entry, again in the interest of encouraging thought and conversation about topics at hand.
Someone asked, does God perform miracles independent of human effort, or does God get God’s work done through people (and other components of creation)? Leading to the question, what constitutes a miracle? My thought is that “miracle” is a human word for happenings that appear to be a departure from the norm. And the norm is defined by events that are predictable according to our experience. We also tend to think of miracles in a positive light. Thus a destructive event may not qualify. When we do this we may take God out of natural disasters. Or we may choose to see the disaster as the application of God's judgment. I'm inclined to look at such things in a holistic sense that attributes to God – the supreme creative entity, by whatever name – as the origin/source of a self-sustaining system, intentionally created to be such. Hurricanes and tsunamis are part of the created order, neither good nor bad in intent, just the way a planet works. Can we attribute such things to circumstance? Depends on how one defines “circumstance.” As opposed, say, to “providence.” One meaning “chance” (unintentional), the other meaning “God-done” (intentional). (I invite readers to elaborate on these definitions, including re-definition, if desired.)
For God to intercede in human affairs seems to me to suggest a capricious God, favoring some over others depending on lots of subjective factors, quantitative in human terms for the most part. Rather, I see God as a constant and continuing presence – 24/7/365. At the risk of metaphoric inexactitude, God might be likened to the current in an electrical circuit, but one that cannot be turned off. Just as a radio, tv, light, etc., is charged, energized, brought to life to perform the functions for which it was created, I too can better achieve my potential by keeping my switch in the "on" position. My switch is under my control.
When something happens that appears to be “providential,” someone is responding to the surge of energy that comes with having their switch “on.” It may be me, or others. And something good comes of it. I can easily think of times I’ve had my switch “on,” and many when I’ve had it “off.” So, I don’t think of God responding to me incidentally. It’s totally the other way around. In my faith tradition (Christianity) I am encouraged to keep my switch in the “on” position. This could also be likened to singing in harmony with a choir. When harmony prevails, something beautiful happens. When I sing off key, things get chaotic.
This leads to all sorts of other interesting questions, such as: “Does God have a plan? If so, how can I know what it is, and particularly how it applies to me?”
So … care to join the conversation? I'd love to hear what you have to say.
Someone asked, does God perform miracles independent of human effort, or does God get God’s work done through people (and other components of creation)? Leading to the question, what constitutes a miracle? My thought is that “miracle” is a human word for happenings that appear to be a departure from the norm. And the norm is defined by events that are predictable according to our experience. We also tend to think of miracles in a positive light. Thus a destructive event may not qualify. When we do this we may take God out of natural disasters. Or we may choose to see the disaster as the application of God's judgment. I'm inclined to look at such things in a holistic sense that attributes to God – the supreme creative entity, by whatever name – as the origin/source of a self-sustaining system, intentionally created to be such. Hurricanes and tsunamis are part of the created order, neither good nor bad in intent, just the way a planet works. Can we attribute such things to circumstance? Depends on how one defines “circumstance.” As opposed, say, to “providence.” One meaning “chance” (unintentional), the other meaning “God-done” (intentional). (I invite readers to elaborate on these definitions, including re-definition, if desired.)
For God to intercede in human affairs seems to me to suggest a capricious God, favoring some over others depending on lots of subjective factors, quantitative in human terms for the most part. Rather, I see God as a constant and continuing presence – 24/7/365. At the risk of metaphoric inexactitude, God might be likened to the current in an electrical circuit, but one that cannot be turned off. Just as a radio, tv, light, etc., is charged, energized, brought to life to perform the functions for which it was created, I too can better achieve my potential by keeping my switch in the "on" position. My switch is under my control.
When something happens that appears to be “providential,” someone is responding to the surge of energy that comes with having their switch “on.” It may be me, or others. And something good comes of it. I can easily think of times I’ve had my switch “on,” and many when I’ve had it “off.” So, I don’t think of God responding to me incidentally. It’s totally the other way around. In my faith tradition (Christianity) I am encouraged to keep my switch in the “on” position. This could also be likened to singing in harmony with a choir. When harmony prevails, something beautiful happens. When I sing off key, things get chaotic.
This leads to all sorts of other interesting questions, such as: “Does God have a plan? If so, how can I know what it is, and particularly how it applies to me?”
So … care to join the conversation? I'd love to hear what you have to say.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Conformity as Anathema
Ruminations while journeying:
Thinking people must decide when and why they will conform in their own thinking and behavior to someone else’s thinking and behavior. In secular life, such decisions are often dictated by survival needs, but in the spiritual plane they can easily trade something basic to human nature – individuality – for a false sense of security. We are taught during our formative years, “Choose you this day whom you will follow,” an admonition to conform, to fall in line, as a virtuous characteristic of the godly, though in the context of a choice between good and evil.
In spiritual life, conformity in thinking is the antithesis of spiritual existence – an oxymoron. This does not mean that one must exist in spiritual or physical isolation, outside of community. It simply means that one exists in mutual relationship with those who, like them, are unique in their physical and psychological dimensions, and who hold differing views and observe differing behaviors. Just as community is an essential characterization of creation, so is individuality. All elements of creation, despite their differences, derive their being in relation to other elements.
When we choose to conform in thought and action, we are delegating to others a power to define our identity, although our perceived motivation may be the very worthy objective of the “common good.” God does not require this of us, nor should we require it of each other. Government exists as embodiment of community, but its existence necessitates some degree of sacrifice of individuality. The church, above all, exists as embodiment of community, but not at the sacrifice of individuality of thought and belief. Jesus did not command his followers to adhere to certain beliefs. He invited followership. He spoke of reward indefinable in secular terms.
When church leaders insist on conformity in thought and belief, they eventually become reliant on it for their own personal identity and survival, and can easily be seduced by the power of their influence. Jesus did not organize or direct a religious movement. Nor did any other person we might identify as a “faith founder.” As spiritual leaders they could not have done so without betraying the authenticity of their purpose. Rather, they shared a wisdom about what it means to be in relation to creator and creation. Some chose to be their followers, and for differing reasons, including both humanitarian and political. Thus the church was institutionalized. Over time, its human institutional identity requires increasing emphasis on its own survival at the sacrifice of original spiritual purpose.
Your thoughts?
Thinking people must decide when and why they will conform in their own thinking and behavior to someone else’s thinking and behavior. In secular life, such decisions are often dictated by survival needs, but in the spiritual plane they can easily trade something basic to human nature – individuality – for a false sense of security. We are taught during our formative years, “Choose you this day whom you will follow,” an admonition to conform, to fall in line, as a virtuous characteristic of the godly, though in the context of a choice between good and evil.
In spiritual life, conformity in thinking is the antithesis of spiritual existence – an oxymoron. This does not mean that one must exist in spiritual or physical isolation, outside of community. It simply means that one exists in mutual relationship with those who, like them, are unique in their physical and psychological dimensions, and who hold differing views and observe differing behaviors. Just as community is an essential characterization of creation, so is individuality. All elements of creation, despite their differences, derive their being in relation to other elements.
When we choose to conform in thought and action, we are delegating to others a power to define our identity, although our perceived motivation may be the very worthy objective of the “common good.” God does not require this of us, nor should we require it of each other. Government exists as embodiment of community, but its existence necessitates some degree of sacrifice of individuality. The church, above all, exists as embodiment of community, but not at the sacrifice of individuality of thought and belief. Jesus did not command his followers to adhere to certain beliefs. He invited followership. He spoke of reward indefinable in secular terms.
When church leaders insist on conformity in thought and belief, they eventually become reliant on it for their own personal identity and survival, and can easily be seduced by the power of their influence. Jesus did not organize or direct a religious movement. Nor did any other person we might identify as a “faith founder.” As spiritual leaders they could not have done so without betraying the authenticity of their purpose. Rather, they shared a wisdom about what it means to be in relation to creator and creation. Some chose to be their followers, and for differing reasons, including both humanitarian and political. Thus the church was institutionalized. Over time, its human institutional identity requires increasing emphasis on its own survival at the sacrifice of original spiritual purpose.
Your thoughts?
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Peace on Earth
The Christian faith, my faith by both tradition and choice, celebrates the advent (coming) of the Messiah during the four weeks preceding Christmas. During this season, we sing songs, share stories, and observe rituals that foretell the establishment of a Kingdom of God characterized by true peace, justice, mercy, and equity within the human family. Yet, our corporate energies and resources seem to be largely directed toward military endeavors with an ultimate aim of an enforced peace, at best. It would seem that our prayers for peace are not reflective of our intentions.
It seems that what Jesus had in mind was bringing in the Kingdom of God as a here and now reality. This theme is also reflected in the writings of other great faith leaders throughout human history. What are the obstacles to achievement of this vision? Is it possible for these obstacles to be removed? If so, by what method? Your thoughts are invited.
It seems that what Jesus had in mind was bringing in the Kingdom of God as a here and now reality. This theme is also reflected in the writings of other great faith leaders throughout human history. What are the obstacles to achievement of this vision? Is it possible for these obstacles to be removed? If so, by what method? Your thoughts are invited.
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