The Divine Chorus Director: A Better Model for Understanding the Relationship between God and Humanity
By Adis Duderija, New
Age Islam
7 June 2024
The Relationship
Between God and Humanity Is Inherently Unpredictable Due to The Inherent
Freedom of Individuals. Just as Actors in A Play Bring Their Own
Interpretations and Contributions to The Performance, Human Beings Possess
Their Own Aesthetic Sensibilities and Freedoms That Shape Their Actions and
Decisions
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Art has
long been used as a metaphor to explore and understand the nature of the
divine. However, when contemplating God’s relationship with human beings, it is
important to consider the complexities of interaction and the dynamic nature of
creation. In this regard, the symbol of a chorus director or a director of a
theatrical performance offers a more compelling model for understanding God’s
role compared to that of a painter or a poet. This is what Daniel Dombrowski
one of the leading process thinkers in the world today argues in his book on Process
Mysticism.
By recognizing the inherent freedom and aesthetic sensibilities of human
beings, we can delve into the profound concept of unity-in-diversity and the
transformative nature of mystical experiences.
The Chorus Director: Orchestrating Human Drama
In a
theatrical performance, the chorus director plays a pivotal role in guiding the
actors, shaping the narrative, and coordinating the overall artistic vision.
Similarly, when we view God as a chorus director, we acknowledge that God
interacts with human beings who possess their own agency, aesthetic
sensibilities, and freedoms. Unlike a painter or a poet who creates in
isolation, God’s creative process involves working with free beings, each with
their unique perspectives and choices.
The
relationship between God and humanity is inherently unpredictable due to the
inherent freedom of individuals. Just as actors in a play bring their own
interpretations and contributions to the performance, human beings possess
their own aesthetic sensibilities and freedoms that shape their actions and
decisions. This unpredictability adds depth and richness to the human drama, as
it allows for the exploration of various possibilities and outcomes.
Mystical Experience: Unity-in-Diversity
Mystical
experiences often involve a profound sense of unity or connection with the
divine. However, this unity does not negate or obliterate the individuality of
the mystic. Rather, it involves the joint assertion of unity and the
preservation of personal identity. Here, the dipolar aesthetic principle of
unity-in-diversity comes into play.
The
mystical journey is one of transformation and transfiguration. The mystic is
not lost but undergoes a profound change, where the individual’s self is
enhanced and elevated through the union with the divine. This transformative
process allows for the harmonization of personal identity with the larger
cosmic reality, creating a tapestry woven with diverse threads.
Embracing the Divine Paradox
The concept
of God as a chorus director allows us to embrace the divine paradox inherent in
the human experience. It acknowledges the coexistence of unity and diversity,
recognizing that both are essential aspects of the creative process. Just as a
chorus director guides and brings together a diverse group of voices to create
a harmonious performance, God orchestrates the individual lives and choices of
human beings to create a greater whole.
This
understanding encourages us to embrace the diversity and individuality of all
beings, recognizing that each contributes to the grand symphony of life. It
invites us to appreciate the unique perspectives and choices of others while
acknowledging our interconnectedness.
In
contemplating the relationship between God and humanity, it is essential to
move beyond simplistic metaphors and embrace a more nuanced understanding.
Viewing God as a chorus director or a director of a theatrical performance
offers a powerful model that takes into account the complex interplay between
freedom, aesthetics, and unity-in-diversity.
By
recognising the individual agency and aesthetic sensibilities of human beings,
we can appreciate the unpredictable nature of the human drama. Furthermore,
understanding mystical experiences as a fusion of unity and personal identity
allows us to appreciate the transformative power of divine connection.
As we
navigate the complexities of existence, let us embrace the role of both artist
and actor, recognizing our own agency and creative potential. In doing so, we
can participate in the grand symphony of life, guided by the supreme artist,
the chorus director who weaves our individual stories into a tapestry of
unity-in-diversity.
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Please checkout Dr. Adis Duderija’s personal
website and his recent ebook on critical-progressive Islam: https://dradisduderija.com/product-category/ebooks/
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A
decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in
the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social
Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue,
Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books
are (co-edited)- Shame, Modesty, and
Honora in Islam and Interfaith Engagement Beyond the Divide (Springer)
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/divine-chorus-relationship-god-humanity/d/132465
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