Funny you should mention boxes. I've said for years that "religion is a game of god-in-the-box."
The way I see it, someone has a revelation. And so, they build a box out of whatever materials seem handy and appropriate, then call folks over to see the box. "Look in the box!" they say. "God's in the box." And so, folks come to the box and look. Some of 'em see the materials, some see the construction, some actually share the initial vision, some add things on or draw their own conclusions about it, and lots of 'em just see the box... but because this box is important, they don't say anything to disturb the peace. If someone does, they then beat the offender over the head with said box. Eventually, most folks just worship the box. It's easier to comprehend than infinity.
Now, a box has certain advantages. You can see the box, carry the box, stand on the box, take shelter in it, put stuff into it, lean on it, bring it with you wherever you go, show it to other people, and even deck folks with it if you don't like them.
Trouble is, divinity doesn't fit in a box. Nor does revelation. Nor does the world around us. A box is convenient, supportive, handy and comprehendable. What it is not is God. It's a human construction, not an infinite container... which is a contradiction in itself. A box can be pretty, astute and meaningful. Ultimately, though, it's still just a box.
And God doesn't fit in a box.
Feel free to quote this metaphor. It's clearly on your mind already! ;)
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Date: 2008-05-23 06:27 pm (UTC)The way I see it, someone has a revelation. And so, they build a box out of whatever materials seem handy and appropriate, then call folks over to see the box. "Look in the box!" they say. "God's in the box." And so, folks come to the box and look. Some of 'em see the materials, some see the construction, some actually share the initial vision, some add things on or draw their own conclusions about it, and lots of 'em just see the box... but because this box is important, they don't say anything to disturb the peace. If someone does, they then beat the offender over the head with said box. Eventually, most folks just worship the box. It's easier to comprehend than infinity.
Now, a box has certain advantages. You can see the box, carry the box, stand on the box, take shelter in it, put stuff into it, lean on it, bring it with you wherever you go, show it to other people, and even deck folks with it if you don't like them.
Trouble is, divinity doesn't fit in a box. Nor does revelation. Nor does the world around us. A box is convenient, supportive, handy and comprehendable. What it is not is God. It's a human construction, not an infinite container... which is a contradiction in itself. A box can be pretty, astute and meaningful. Ultimately, though, it's still just a box.
And God doesn't fit in a box.
Feel free to quote this metaphor. It's clearly on your mind already! ;)