Recently, someone asked me:
Do you believe in God?
This simple yet profoundly complex question made me delve into an internal reflection about what God means to me and how this belief, or the lack thereof, shapes my understanding of the world and my existence.
My biggest fear, perhaps, was that the person might misunderstand me and could question me looking for an argument.
For many, God is a central figure, an omnipotent creator who governs the universe with infinite wisdom. For others, God is a cultural construct or a metaphor for something greater than ourselves. My perspective on God is multifaceted and has evolved over the years, influenced by personal experiences, readings, conversations, and introspection.
When I think of God, I can't limit this entity to a simple definition or a specific set of characteristics.
God is a representation of the mystery and complexity of life.
God is the personification of the unknown, of what we still cannot fully comprehend.
My belief in God is not anchored in specific religious dogmas. Instead, it is an acceptance of the possibility that there is something greater than the sum of the parts of the universe. This idea brings me a sense of humility and wonder. I believe there is a force or energy that permeates everything, a deep connection between all beings and the very fabric of reality. Reflecting on what it means to believe in God, I realize that this belief doesn't need to be a blind acceptance of a supernatural being with human characteristics.
For me, believing in God is recognizing that there are dimensions of existence that escape our rational understanding. It is being open to the mystery and miracle of being, without the need for definitive explanations.
God, in my view, also represents the human potential for compassion, creativity, and love. When I see acts of kindness, courage, and sacrifice, I feel I am witnessing a spark of the divine. The same happens when I am touched by art, music, or the beauty of nature. These moments of transcendence remind me that there is something sacred in the human experience, something that connects us to a greater reality.
Throughout my journey, I have found comfort and inspiration in various spiritual and philosophical traditions. The words of Rumi, the Sufi poet, resonate deeply with me: "The divine light is within you, but you yourself cannot see it." This idea that the divine is within us and around us, but we often do not perceive it, is central to my understanding of God. I cannot categorically state that I know what God is or that my view is the correct one. In fact, I believe that the search for God is a personal and unique journey for each individual. The important thing is to keep an open mind and heart, explore different perspectives, and find what resonates with our essence.
For me, God is both a question and an answer. It is the incessant search for something greater, something that transcends the mundane and connects us to the infinite. It is the acceptance of the wonder and mystery of life, a reverence for the unknown, and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all things.
So, yes, my answer was that I believe in God.
But my God is not a defined entity; it is a felt presence, a welcomed mystery, a continuous quest.
God is the reflection of our capacity to question, love, and grow.
It is the symbol of our eternal curiosity and our thirst for meaning. And ultimately, it is this quest that gives meaning to my life.