In October I shared a 13-part series I entitled a "Theology of Everything." The series was an attempt to pull together creation theology, soteriology, theodicy, and eschatology.
Since we do not immediately cease to exist, due to God's grace, mercy, love, and continuing life-giving presence, there is still a hope of reconciliation! Praise God!
Yes, I agree. I take that to be an implication of being created ex Deo. To exist is to be addressed by God, and that makes existence inherently open-ended, dynamic, and hopeful.
When darkness descends, and the stars seem to fade,
The weight of the world makes our spirits afraid.
Yet even in shadows, a glimmer remains,
For light pierces through when we break from our chains.
So stand on the edge, in the twilight of thought,
Remember the gift that our being has brought.
From the heart of existence, let radiance flow,
Boundless and tender, like rivers we grow.
With hands stretched towards heavens, we gather our will,
To weave through the cosmos, our souls to fulfill.
Let not our ambitions lead us into despair,
For life’s final essence is grounded in care.
Thus gather, dear kindred, in this moment we breathe,
Between God and the nothing, let love be our creed.
For in every heartbeat, a promise rings clear,
That creation and purpose forever draw near.
*************^****************************
Explanation:
**Stanza 1:**
The poem opens with a depiction of existence as a delicate balance, symbolized by the terms "cradle of ether". This imagery evokes the idea that life begins in the vast universe where both light (representing God) and void (representing nothingness) coexist. The phrase "Ex Deo, we shimmer, from nothing to be" highlights the theological concept that our existence comes from God, yet we emerge from nothingness. This duality forms the crux of our existence as we navigate through life with a sense of purpose.
**Stanza 2:**
In the second stanza, the poet introduces the theme of self-absorption as a danger. The "shadows encroach" implies a lurking threat of losing connection with the divine. "To cling to our selves and let holiness die" illustrates the struggle with egoism, where individuals can become disconnected from their spiritual essence. The "mirror of choices" suggests introspection, as it reflects the consequences of taking either path—towards God or away from Him.
**Stanza 3:**
Here, the poem addresses the fragility of human beings, who aspire towards a higher connection with the divine ("the flame"). The imagery reinforces that existence carries weight and responsibility—it's a choice laden with implications. The tension between the desire for divine communion and the allure of self-reliance brings forth the dilemma of existence, emphasizing the need to choose between divine grace and self-satisfaction.
**Stanza 4:**
The notion of darkness prevailing introduces existential anxiety when faced with difficulties. "The weight of the world makes our spirits afraid" signifies the heavy burdens that can lead to despair. However, hope is woven into the fabric of this trial, as the poet asserts that even during the darkest moments, "light pierces through when we break from our chains." This phrase captures the redemptive nature of turning back to God, reaffirming that liberation lies in faith.
**Stanza 5:**
Call to action permeates this stanza, underscoring the importance of maintaining a connection with the divine. The "twilight of thought" signifies a reflective state where one must embrace their existence's complexities. This stanza encourages readers to draw from the source of creation ("heart of existence") and to allow the "radiance" of divine love to guide their journey through life, promoting growth and transformation.
**Stanza 6:**
The sixth stanza emphasizes unity and collective strength found in community. "With hands stretched towards heavens" symbolizes a collective aspiration to reach for something greater. The contrast between ambition and despair captures a crucial choice—whether one's pursuits lead to genuine fulfillment. The poet urges recognition of the essence of life, encapsulating it as being rooted in love and communal care.
**Stanza 7:**
The final stanza serves as a resolution, a reminder to cherish the breath of life as an opportunity for connection with the divine. It reinforces the idea that between God and nothingness lies a meaningful existence, where love serves as the cornerstone of one's journey. The closing statement echoes the central message of the poem—creation, purpose, and the promise that together, these elements bring us closer to understanding our place within the universe.
I'm created in the image of God. I am hard wired by creation to seek God. If I reject the transcendent Creator God, I find a created god instead and the nearest one is me. I worship myself, an idol, an unholy trinity of me, myself and I.
That image of God is immortal. It seems that a pretty good argument can be made that even if a person, even if that person is in the eternal torment of hell desired to be annihilated, to cease utterly and completely to no longer exist in order to escape the torment. From the first instant of our creation, we have this imago Dei that is good and God will not utterly annihilate that goodness.
From an eschatological point of view, sometimes I wonder if non-existence, nothingness is what will happen to people who choose not to be reconciled to God, rather than there being a hell. Or, maybe, all ‘everything’ and everyone, even the animals, will be be redeemed, recreated in a universal salvation sense …
Wow! What a powerful idea. Reminds me of Berdyayev's concept of Meonic Freedom - because we're created from nothing, there's a freedom inherent to our existence above the Void. God can't eradicate that, but calls us back from the Void.
This has made me think of Jesus’ teaching to ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’ I have thought about this teaching a lot - what this means, for practical day to day living, as well as from an existential point of view. I am fascinated by the phrase ‘in Christ’.
There is a sense, I think, where we are to still to love the self, love God and love neighbour. This feels like a full existence. The fact we are created ex Deo would suggest this. Loving self in Christ, isn’t the same as ‘choosing’ the self over choosing God - it isn’t the same as idolatry - it is choosing to find ourselves through the death and life that is IN Christ.
I am still trying to cling to Jesus for dear life - without him I am aware I am nothing. I am essentially dead. I think I am only alive because of Jesus. I literally feel I cannot exist without God. I think I would be dead.
I love the expression that to exist is to ‘addressed by God.’ I think it explains how I look at people’s faces sometimes. Sometimes I look at people and even though they claim to be agnostic, nasty, gossiping people, but I can see light, the light of life in their eyes and it is a marvel. It of kind shows, proves, albeit they might not be conscious of it, that they are somehow tethered to God, he is in their face so to speak, addressing them directly by their very being, their very existence.
Since we do not immediately cease to exist, due to God's grace, mercy, love, and continuing life-giving presence, there is still a hope of reconciliation! Praise God!
Yes, I agree. I take that to be an implication of being created ex Deo. To exist is to be addressed by God, and that makes existence inherently open-ended, dynamic, and hopeful.
Title: In the Shadow of Creation
Yvon Roustan ©
In the cradle of ether, we rise and we fall,
Between light and the void, we answer the call.
Ex Deo, we shimmer, from nothing to be,
With whispers of purpose, adrift on the sea.
Yet shadows encroach, with a beckon so sly,
To cling to our selves and let holiness die.
In the mirror of choices, reflections lay bare,
A dance with existence, caught unaware.
All beings are fragile, yet yearn for the flame,
To bask in the brilliance, to seek and to claim.
But oh, how we teeter, this path is a choice,
To embrace the Creator, or silence His voice.
When darkness descends, and the stars seem to fade,
The weight of the world makes our spirits afraid.
Yet even in shadows, a glimmer remains,
For light pierces through when we break from our chains.
So stand on the edge, in the twilight of thought,
Remember the gift that our being has brought.
From the heart of existence, let radiance flow,
Boundless and tender, like rivers we grow.
With hands stretched towards heavens, we gather our will,
To weave through the cosmos, our souls to fulfill.
Let not our ambitions lead us into despair,
For life’s final essence is grounded in care.
Thus gather, dear kindred, in this moment we breathe,
Between God and the nothing, let love be our creed.
For in every heartbeat, a promise rings clear,
That creation and purpose forever draw near.
*************^****************************
Explanation:
**Stanza 1:**
The poem opens with a depiction of existence as a delicate balance, symbolized by the terms "cradle of ether". This imagery evokes the idea that life begins in the vast universe where both light (representing God) and void (representing nothingness) coexist. The phrase "Ex Deo, we shimmer, from nothing to be" highlights the theological concept that our existence comes from God, yet we emerge from nothingness. This duality forms the crux of our existence as we navigate through life with a sense of purpose.
**Stanza 2:**
In the second stanza, the poet introduces the theme of self-absorption as a danger. The "shadows encroach" implies a lurking threat of losing connection with the divine. "To cling to our selves and let holiness die" illustrates the struggle with egoism, where individuals can become disconnected from their spiritual essence. The "mirror of choices" suggests introspection, as it reflects the consequences of taking either path—towards God or away from Him.
**Stanza 3:**
Here, the poem addresses the fragility of human beings, who aspire towards a higher connection with the divine ("the flame"). The imagery reinforces that existence carries weight and responsibility—it's a choice laden with implications. The tension between the desire for divine communion and the allure of self-reliance brings forth the dilemma of existence, emphasizing the need to choose between divine grace and self-satisfaction.
**Stanza 4:**
The notion of darkness prevailing introduces existential anxiety when faced with difficulties. "The weight of the world makes our spirits afraid" signifies the heavy burdens that can lead to despair. However, hope is woven into the fabric of this trial, as the poet asserts that even during the darkest moments, "light pierces through when we break from our chains." This phrase captures the redemptive nature of turning back to God, reaffirming that liberation lies in faith.
**Stanza 5:**
Call to action permeates this stanza, underscoring the importance of maintaining a connection with the divine. The "twilight of thought" signifies a reflective state where one must embrace their existence's complexities. This stanza encourages readers to draw from the source of creation ("heart of existence") and to allow the "radiance" of divine love to guide their journey through life, promoting growth and transformation.
**Stanza 6:**
The sixth stanza emphasizes unity and collective strength found in community. "With hands stretched towards heavens" symbolizes a collective aspiration to reach for something greater. The contrast between ambition and despair captures a crucial choice—whether one's pursuits lead to genuine fulfillment. The poet urges recognition of the essence of life, encapsulating it as being rooted in love and communal care.
**Stanza 7:**
The final stanza serves as a resolution, a reminder to cherish the breath of life as an opportunity for connection with the divine. It reinforces the idea that between God and nothingness lies a meaningful existence, where love serves as the cornerstone of one's journey. The closing statement echoes the central message of the poem—creation, purpose, and the promise that together, these elements bring us closer to understanding our place within the universe.
I'm created in the image of God. I am hard wired by creation to seek God. If I reject the transcendent Creator God, I find a created god instead and the nearest one is me. I worship myself, an idol, an unholy trinity of me, myself and I.
That image of God is immortal. It seems that a pretty good argument can be made that even if a person, even if that person is in the eternal torment of hell desired to be annihilated, to cease utterly and completely to no longer exist in order to escape the torment. From the first instant of our creation, we have this imago Dei that is good and God will not utterly annihilate that goodness.
From an eschatological point of view, sometimes I wonder if non-existence, nothingness is what will happen to people who choose not to be reconciled to God, rather than there being a hell. Or, maybe, all ‘everything’ and everyone, even the animals, will be be redeemed, recreated in a universal salvation sense …
Wow! What a powerful idea. Reminds me of Berdyayev's concept of Meonic Freedom - because we're created from nothing, there's a freedom inherent to our existence above the Void. God can't eradicate that, but calls us back from the Void.
Ooh! Meonic freedom? I have never come across this - freedom is what I seek … will investigate this …
This has made me think of Jesus’ teaching to ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’ I have thought about this teaching a lot - what this means, for practical day to day living, as well as from an existential point of view. I am fascinated by the phrase ‘in Christ’.
There is a sense, I think, where we are to still to love the self, love God and love neighbour. This feels like a full existence. The fact we are created ex Deo would suggest this. Loving self in Christ, isn’t the same as ‘choosing’ the self over choosing God - it isn’t the same as idolatry - it is choosing to find ourselves through the death and life that is IN Christ.
I am still trying to cling to Jesus for dear life - without him I am aware I am nothing. I am essentially dead. I think I am only alive because of Jesus. I literally feel I cannot exist without God. I think I would be dead.
I love the expression that to exist is to ‘addressed by God.’ I think it explains how I look at people’s faces sometimes. Sometimes I look at people and even though they claim to be agnostic, nasty, gossiping people, but I can see light, the light of life in their eyes and it is a marvel. It of kind shows, proves, albeit they might not be conscious of it, that they are somehow tethered to God, he is in their face so to speak, addressing them directly by their very being, their very existence.
It is a wonder.
This post gave me goosebumps. Aligns perfectly with my “death” obsessio.