Paradox; literally a pair of truths or two doctrines. I imagine two pillars representing two truths. These two truths may appear incompatible. There is obviously a great span between these two pillars of truth. And I am somewhere in between. This creates tension for me.
What is it about our human condition that makes us unwilling to accept the tension of suspension between these two pillars. I can imagine being physically suspended from ropes between two pillars, it would be horrible, a “crucifixion” of sorts. So in our human predicament we cling to one pillar or the other. We cannot stand the tension. I believe that our Creator allows this tension, and we are wise to embrace it.
Human history shows that mankind will resort to violence rather than humbly submit to the tension. Within Christian church history there have been many such conflicts; God’s sovereignty vs mankind’s choice, one God revealed in three personage, church unity vs diversity, my rights vs community. Much of what people call Bible contradictions are really Bible paradox. These few examples show that this tension actually pervades our human experience. This paradox tension can be experienced in our desire for individuality vs need for community, self desires vs desires for harmony, even our dietary desires!
I propose that we acknowledge that as humans we are limited in many ways, especially knowledge. We have an incredible Creator who knows all, but we don’t. We have and incredible selfless Creator who loves all, but we don’t. We have a Creator who is all just and right, but we are not. In in this acknowledgment I find a state of surrender that is healthy and peaceful for my soul.
