Re: underlying assumptions

D. Brian Austin (austin@cncacc.cn.edu)
Mon, 16 Dec 1996 09:36:36 EST5EDT4,M4.1.0,M10.5.0

George Murphy points out that even if we experienced volcanic activity
similar to what Moses may have experienced at Sinai, we would not
receive the 10 Commandments from it, being that Moses experienced a
"special" revelation. True enough. But another Moses might.
My point is that the world is shot through with God, who is
mediately experienced by creatures insofar as these experiences
are thinkable or communicable. We are surprised by complexity
(apparent design) and we are surprised by the singular (revelatory?)
event. Surprises require explanations, and on occasion, for the
prophet, demand action.
I don't challenge the limited usefulness of the "special"
and "general" distinction, but the "natural"/"revealed" distinction.
God, in fearsome personalness, indwells all creation, available
for communion with those who would embrace her mystery. (sorry about
my continuing need to use some kind of personal pronoun to refer to
God--maybe a genderless one will evolve someday)

Brian Austin