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GODISNOWHERE

3/23/2017

7 Comments

 
Picture
It’s Not a Typo

There is an intentional ambiguity embedded in the expression GODISNOWHERE. There are (at least) two ways of reading it. “God is now here” refers to the familiar concept found in Christianity - God’s omnipresence. God is near, close, even everywhere.

“God is nowhere” can be said to refer to the experience of God’s absence. A less familiar concept, but nonetheless as central to Christianity as God’s “immanence”. Jesus’ cry on the Cross, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” points to this ambiguity.

We cannot, in fact, experience the presence of God without also experiencing God’s absence.

To take this a step further, the expression functions as a critique of a kind of dualistic thinking which separates people into "us" and "them", theists and atheists. Both theists and atheists affirm and reject particular notions or concepts about "God". Early Christians, in fact, were considered "atheists" for their rejection of Roman gods (Justin Martyr). Theists and atheists may have more in common than is immediately obvious. Gods come in all shapes and sizes. Just read (or soon watch) Neil Gaiman's American Gods.

Nonetheless, the comments continue: yet another silly church sign gone wrong. Some are offended and wish it were removed and others dismiss it as simple minded carelessness.
One news outlet (ABC affiliate) reported knowing the church ("in Newtown") did not “intend” for it to read the way it does. I'm not sure how they discovered our intentions.

It’s not a typo .
(say it again with your best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice).

Is God now here?
Is God nowhere?

Well…yes, but how? In what way?

It’s not all good nor is it all bad.

“Why, then, ’tis none to you, for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Hamlet

7 Comments
Sandra Quartarone
4/11/2017 04:39:57 pm

Aahh..such an eyecatcher...hhhhmmmm especially for those who take notice....wether because they are continually watching how " believers" think...or they are seeking .....or they may look to critic....maybe looking for a word for a desperate season...?
possibly because the church body ( inside the building) makes a statement by their witness..?....whatever the reason, people are always making choices...
I am a bornagain believer....I cried out to Jesus to show me that He could CHANGE my heart.....In my deepest need " I " reached out the Him....he was always and is always here....but there are seasons of trials that we may " feel" ...God is no where.
It is up to us to seek Him....because it is by faith that we walk through this fallen world...and by His Word we are alive.
I pray blessings over the message....it is perfect!
Sandy <>< Romans 10:17 :)

Reply
Roland
10/7/2017 02:13:37 pm

God is sort of a Schrödingers cat..

Reply
Ruth Walker
1/9/2018 12:08:57 pm

It would be better to heed what real bible scholars tell us. www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124572693

Reply
Srujan vully link
2/25/2019 12:12:58 pm

That was a really interesting read, really deep understanding of the subject. Loved it. 😊

Reply
Brittany link
4/16/2019 04:54:38 pm

I love it, is it nowhere or now here :)

Reply
Sam
4/24/2019 03:44:06 am

Considering the weather in the image, a third possible way of reading it:

God: "I Snow Here"

Reply
Anna
11/14/2019 02:40:37 am

It is even better in Swedish. Godis = candy. Godis now here!

Reply

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