THE IMMANENCE OF TRANSCENDENCE

  A Muslim said, “God is not at all human.  We cannot know God personally, because God is so very different.” 

 The Gadfly said, “When you recognize your mother’s face, it is not by virtue of what her face has in common with all faces which enables you to know her when you see her.  Rather it is by all that is different in her face, which lets you know that your mother is near.  Difference is not a hindrance to the knowledge of God.  The otherness of God is like sunshine to our eyes.   When you stare directly into the sun you are blind.  But reflected sunlight enables you to see all things.  Therefore, seek to encounter the Holy Other in the people and nature around you.  Then you will be able to know God.” 

 A man said, “You have it all wrong.  God is not different or other.  God is the Universe.  God is the Earth and all the things upon it.” 

 The Gadfly replied, “So then to know God we give our heart’s attention to the world around us?” 

 The man replied, “Yes.” 

 The Gadfly said, “Nothing has changed.”