Many of you may scoff, but the divinity I seek and sometimes glimpse, is a divinity that is beyond the ability to describe or define. Words can only approach that divinity, but can never encompass it. Myth and metaphor approach that divinity far more effectively than can doctrine or theology or logic. The Orthodox Christian tradition is to speak of that divinity in oxymorons - Trinity being one of the better-known of these. The Jewish tradition is not to pronounce the true name of G-d, YHWH. There are many different traditions or "systems of belief" that attempt to approach this divinity - all are valid, but all can only approach the reality of the divine, whatever that reality might or might not be. The "system of belief/unbelief" that holds that there is no God, is also valid. But since all have validity and all fall short of the reality, all should owe respect to each other. Western religious tradition, particularly Christianity, tends to anthropomorphize this divinity - and most of the arguments above are about this anthropomorphic god. I see the arguments on both sides, as futile. How does one argue a metaphor? Too many "religious" people worship the myth or the anthropomorphosis or the metaphor, and then they lose sight and fall short of whatever is Beyond.

Perhaps God is, and perhaps God isn't...or maybe the both. Whatever the case, all things would be the same either way. If this God is, then human belief would neither increase or decrease God's essence or efficacy. But somehow, I find value in exploring the question of God. Perhaps it doesn't matter, but it works for me. If it doesn't work for you, that's fine - but I don't walk in your shoes, nor you in mine.

My working definition of The Divinity is That Which Is Beyond and That Which Is Within. I've explored that oxymoron for years, and haven't come up with any answers. But the exploration has opened many doors for me.

-Joe-