Thoughts on God(s)

I've been thinking a lot lately about the enormity of the universe. I mean, one million Earths could fit inside the sun. One million! That's how small we are. Earth lies 91.4 million miles from the sun. Think on that. The planets are tens of millions of miles apart from each other. And that's just our known solar system. Who knows what else is out there in the universe? There's got to be other stuff; other life.

I think that when we were taught that God is the God of the universe, they were actually meaning he was the God of Earth. Right? All we learn about the existence of God is from the Bible, written by human beings, who lived on Earth. And they didn't live here all that long ago, considering how long Earth has been around. The story of Jesus is compelling. But again, it's the story of a man, who lived on Earth. Nowhere else. And this guy Jesus is God's only son? His only progeny? That seems unlikely if God is so big and is god of the entire universe.

If there are other forms of (intelligent) life somewhere in the cosmos, who is the god of them? Is it our God? And what about their salvation? Could our God have other sons (or daughters) who are tied up in the salvation of other intelligent life? Or are their other gods who are omnipresent over other parts of the solar system?

What I'm saying is that it's not all as simple as I've been lead to believe. I say my prayers, but I confess when I say them that I don't know where God is and if he is only the god of Earth or the whole universe or what?

I hear people say that God knows no bounds and is everywhere and isn't confined to time and space. I guess. I've never doubted how big God is until recently. Is it possible that the whole universe is too big, too immense, for just one god? I'm wondering...

Going on, what is heaven? And who is it for? For human beings on planet Earth? Or for all forms of intelligent life (capable of reason) who inherit salvation? Or is it something mentioned in the Bible, a human book of faith, to give us hope for something after we die?

I don't know, folks. I just don't know. I'll still keep saying prayers and going to church on occassion, but I've got some serious questions. Let me know if you've got answers.

UBC

Since I've moved to Austin, when I make it to church, I go to University Baptist Church. It's a lovely, open and affirming community of faith. A couple of weeks ago, Abel, Casey, Michael and me were fortunate to attend an interfaith pride service at UBC. I intended to blog about it, but Casey is more eloquent than I, so I encourage you to read her post about the service.

Dear New York,

Dear New York,

As I prepare to leave ye for the Lone Star State, an expression of my gratitude is in order.

When I arrived in a Penske moving truck some six and a half years ago, you welcomed me, as you welcome every other twenty-something who wants a piece of the NYC life. My time with you has been valuable. I will leave your five boroughs a changed man. Thank you...

• Thank you for showing me that diversity is essential.
• Thank you for toughening my skin. I curse more than I used to.
• Thank you for teaching me a new meaning of the word "fresh". I am fresh.
• Thank you for showing me that people of God do not look a particular way or seek you in a particular place.
• Thank you for providing an atmosphere where I can understand who I wholly am.
• Thank you for introducing me to learned, compassionate friends.
• Thank you for CCfB (see previous two thank yous).
• Thank you for Manhattan Church.
• Thank you for Praise Team.
• Thank you for your nurses, doctors, and hospital staff who have shown me how to care for the sick.
• Thank you for Calvary.
• Thank you for Bellevue.
• Thank you for 24-hour bodegas.
• Thank you for Nectar Coffe Shop.
• Thank you for Paul, Casey, Caleb, Jeremy, Shaun, Seth, LeRoy, Jeff, and Tulio who provided companionship as roommates and taught me things about life.
• Thank you for Chelsea. Next to Disneyworld, it's the happiest place on Earth.
• Thank you for Brooklyn, and then Queens.
• Thank you for weekend trips.
• Thank you for the Chrysler Building and the Brooklyn Bridge.
• Thank you for the good people at Dunkin' Donuts on 28th and 3rd.
• Thank you for oxtail, spinach pie, perogies, and Brooklyn Lager, which I had never tried before we met.
• Thank you for Broadway.

To the people who I have known and loved here, I hope to see you down the road.


To my family who I have been away from for the last seven years, I'm coming home. See you soon for dinner.


Love,
Nate