To pinpoint a spot on the earth’s surface two numbers are needed. One belongs to numbers running north to south. The other belongs to numbers running east to west The cross-over marks the required spot.
We all have that cross-over. Unlike our DNA, our cross-over changes as we move about. On a long voyage, say, the Pacific explorations of Captain Cook, we need help in getting an accurate sea-going time-piece.
When Paul was in Athens speaking to the great and the good, he heard a pundit say that he, Paul, was propounding a two-god theory – Jesus and Resurrection (Acts 17.18). This view was based on word-count. Paul, obviously, believed his god could be expressed as a number. A god like this can be managed. He is only half a god. This is dualism but not as we generally know it. More commonly dualism is the pair of gods disclosing themselves as masters of good or evil but not both. Christian belief is more daring.
Christians believe that there is one God. He is described as Almighty. He is not one of a parade of gods, each with his own territory and influence. That was the Greek way, colourful and enticing. Clearly these two Paul was talking about were not fully paid-up members of the pantheon. They were outsiders.
Having heard Paul, some reserved their judgment. Some, indeed, became believers, including Dionysius, a member of the Areopagite council no less, and a woman named Damaris.
One god? Two gods? Many gods? After centuries of living with such questions, it is likely that the present population of the UK are mostly, if they are religious at all, monotheistic – lapsed, if you like but mono rather than poly. Sometimes getting to know what you are not, is a big step towards knowing what you are.
HELPFUL TAGS
Padstow church has, it says, five locations and each is given a useful tag on the church website. One is labelled ‘family friendly’, another ‘traditional’. This is turning a collection of small churches into a visitor’s choice with information and pictures for guidance. The Rector is Ian Gulland.
CAT’S TAIL
The sparkling magazine of Badshot and Hale surprises a reader by featuring a contribution by a cat – ‘Philosophising Feline’. The 36 page magazine is edited by Stella Wiseman.
The Rector is Leslie Crawley. Alan Crawley is her associate and there is a strong ministry team.
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