I am a writer, and I treasure the words of others brave enough to do what I do. I learn from them, marvel at their insight on ordinary things, often laugh out loud or cry with them. Sometimes, I wish I could reach out to them, random strangers putting pen to paper, daring to release their thoughts
like doves into the blogosphere or perhaps to perch on a magazine stand or bookshelf awaiting a hearing ear. I recently picked up a copy of 'O' magazine on an airport newsstand during a five hour spring break layover. I found within it a single column which inspired this, my next post, on faith.....
The writer, an atheist, embarked on question #20 in the collection of '20 questions every woman should ask herself today.' The question? 'Why are we here?' Ah, the age old quest for the meaning of life.... or for faith itself. Her answer? In part... 'When most people inquire as to how and why this planet and life of ours came to pass, as most people do, they are given a one-syllable answer: God. Which is to say the world is the invention of an invisible, all-powerful being, spinner of galaxies and sculptor of continents. As for what God wants and why he is doing all of this--well, that is a "mystery," far beyond the pay grade of our puny human intelligence.' Ahhhh, I wanted to shout, no! It is not a mystery, it is not unknowable. But alas, it has been shrouded in mystery, by humans over centuries who have, knowingly or unknowingly, sought to keep us 'puny humans' from having the deep relationship with or creator which is possible. Rather than muddle through the misinformation, many, like this writer, have turned to atheism...to a belief that though God may exist, he is unknowable to us.
I have made my own journey through this maze of mystery to truth.... having been raised Catholic, grateful for the foundation, but unsatisfied by the doctrine of divine secrets. I reel against the notion that God is unknowable to us, or that he is part of a 'trinity,' which we are not meant to fully understand. I find myself considering this now, at this time of year, when many are considering the life, and death, of Jesus Christ. Jesus. God? Son of God? Both? How can we fully appreciate the gift without knowing the giver? If Jesus is God, did he give himself? Then why do we speak of God giving to us his only begotten son? Who should receive the thanks for this gift? The truth, my truth, is that our loving Father gave us his Son....two distinct individuals, one immeasurable gift. The trinity shrouds this gift in mystery, taking the glory due our heavenly father away.
Ultimately, why we are here is to show gratitude.... to the 'invisible, all-powerful spinner of galaxies and sculptor of continents.' Each day holds for us reasons to show this gratitude; for the gifts of natural laws which result in our enjoyment of the beautiful planet we inhabit, for the love and humanity shown by those around us struggling to find meaning in the daily grind, for the ultimate gift of His Son, and the truth that is available..... if you look beyond those sources shrouded in mystery, and realize that our creator respects, and holds grand expectations for our vast intelligence.
