Plane: A geometric plane is a flat, two dimensional surface that extends infinitely in all directions, having length and width but no depth. Planes are made from three points that are not on the same line (non-collinear). Picture an endless piece of paper…
Picture life as a piece of paper. What do we do with this life, this piece of paper? Do we start with a blank sheet or is something of who we are already written upon it? Are we genetically predetermined to turn out a specific way, or are we shaped by the external forces that we experience? Or is it a combination of the two?
Philosophers, theologians, and scientists have pondered, debated, and fought over such questions, creating theories and intricate systems to support their particular answers. And those are entertaining and important (unless the arguments turn ugly and maim or claim lives – which happens with alarming frequency), as long as they are not mistaken for the life they seek to describe, define, and delineate. Because life is not a two dimensional plane, no matter the length or width of the treatises that have been written throughout history.
Picture life, and the years given us, as a piece of paper that is folded, shaped, gaining depth. Moved by the Spirit, infused with the Image of God from its inception, life becomes an expression of love and beauty. What shape will the folds of your life take, what holiness will be revealed?
The paper that is your life isn’t meant to be a two dimensional plane. It is a deep and holy origami.
I left a reply earlier but it didn’t seem to want to go through. Anyway, as someone who flunked math and geometry, I’m fascinated when someone can show us their spiritual aspect. I know mathematics can be the language of beauty and eternity, but it’s a foreign language to me! Curious if you have a background in math.
I started out in math and physics in college, but found I wanted to go in a different direction. I have found a similarity in many of the classic theological arguments to geometric proofs…
I think math should be taught as a language – because it is one. I think a lot of people would do better if it were taught that way. Thanks, David!