Contrast

There is a term in the art world that is often referred to in photography as well - contrast. Contrast is the condition that makes us able to see. But contrast is something of a broad term and can be used to define what the eye sees as well as the cognitive mind that makes decisions based on intuition, individual experience and collected knowledge. 

Sometimes what we think we see or judge to be absolute but that can look differently from another angle is called optical illusion. 

In fact, there are few if any absolute definitions in this world. As they say, everything is relative so everything is somewhat subjective. But human nature wants everything to be tidy and delineated. Humans don’t like to admit “I don’t know or I can’t know.” Or “If I can’t know, then no one else can either.”

Those who are activist atheists are generally the type who demand that everyone adhere to their definitions because they need to be right so they insist that they are right based on how they see.  And that goes for any topic, not just religion. Good, bad, evil, big, small, easy, difficult, pain, suffering, poverty, wealth, smart, dumb - these can never be finite concepts. That there is no up or down in space is a good example. The only difference between an exhilarating adventure and a terrifying ordeal is the perspective of the one experiencing it. It’s all about context and how one interprets it. 

To conclude there is no God or that a “Good” God would not allow humans to struggle to survive is not just myopic, it’s childish. A cursory look at the conundrums of the universe and the great wonders that defy our ability to explain them should be enough to stop anyone from demanding that God must adhere to a single definition of good - or anything else for that matter. 

Tribulation has forever been the great teacher and equalizer. It’s not fun and no one would call it ‘good’ or wish it upon themselves or others. But on the other hand, abundance and ease has also always been the great spoiler. So is that good? Or bad? Tell me why human suffering should be the definitive tell that God does not exist? 

Consider the hypothesis that infinity goes all the way out and all the way in. Just because we do not have telescopes or microscopes powerful enough to prove this doesn’t eliminate the possibility. No one knew about the existence of germs until the 19th century. 

The eye can discern shape because of contrast. But the spirit can see what the eye cannot because of faith. And faith is what keeps us grateful and strong in times of dearth and trouble and reveals the difference between that which causes temporal happiness and that which promises eternal joy. 

 For Him,

Meema

(1 Corinthians 2:9-10) but as it is written, Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, And [which] entered not into the heart of man, Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him. (10) But unto us God revealed [them] through the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.